Wadomari is a town located in the Ōshima District of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It is situated on the northeastern half of Okinoerabujima (Okinoerabu Island), an island within the Amami archipelago in the East China Sea.
Geography and Climate
The town covers approximately 40.39 square kilometers. The landscape is primarily composed of elevated coral reefs, resulting in a terrain characterized by limestone formations and numerous sea caves. The climate is subtropical, featuring high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year.
Administration
Wadomari is an administrative division within Kagoshima Prefecture. It shares Okinoerabujima with the town of China, which occupies the southwestern portion of the island. The municipal government oversees local infrastructure, public services, and regional development.
Economy
The economy of Wadomari is heavily reliant on agriculture. The town is a major producer of sugar cane and is particularly noted for its floriculture, specifically the cultivation of "Erabu lilies" (Lilium longiflorum). These lilies are a primary export and have significant commercial value in domestic and international markets. Other agricultural outputs include potatoes and various tropical fruits. The limestone geology of the island also supports a small-scale tourism industry centered on natural landmarks such as Shoryudo Cave.
Transportation
Wadomari serves as the primary gateway to Okinoerabujima. The Port of Wadomari provides regular ferry connections linking the island to Kagoshima City, Amami Ōshima, Tokunoshima, and Naha in Okinawa Prefecture. Okinoerabu Airport is also located within the town's boundaries, providing commercial air service mainly to Kagoshima and other nearby islands.
History
Historically, Wadomari was influenced by the Ryukyu Kingdom before coming under the control of the Satsuma Domain during the Edo period. Following the Meiji Restoration, it became part of Kagoshima Prefecture. During the post-World War II era, the island was under United States military administration as part of the Provisional Government of the Northern Ryukyu Islands until it was returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1953.
