| Yaeyama Islands |
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Information AboutYaeyama Islands |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT YAEYAMA ISLANDS | |
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The Yaeyama Islands (八重山諸島 ''Yaeyama-shotō'') are an Archipelago in Okinawa Prefecture , Japan . The remotest and most southwestern part of Japan, the islands are closer to Taiwan than to Okinawa Island , much less the Japanese mainland. The islands form the southern part of the Ryukyu Islands . The administrative division of Yaeyama District covers all of the Yaeyama Islands except Ishigaki and the disputed Senkaku Islands . CULTURE The Yonaguni Language is the indigenous language of Yonaguni , and the Yaeyama Language is the indigenous language of the rest of the islands. Japanese is widely spoken as a second language. Rites Particular to Yaeyama 14 July : Mushaama Festival. On Hateruma Island, this harvest festival is celebrated during Obon. Its notable features include a parade of the local fertility god Miruku and his children (the local children), shishi ("lion") dances, and staff dances. ISLANDS EXTERNAL LINKS |
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