Get to know Yubu Island
History
Yubu Island was prosperous when people moved from Taketomi Island and Kuroshima Island. At that time, water buffaloes were used for farming, and around 1932, they came to Ishigaki Island along with the settlers from Taiwan. At that time, water buffaloes were so expensive that it was said "two water buffaloes cost the equivalent of building a house". Around 1955, the island flourished to the point where each family had one water buffalo, but in 1969, the island was severely damaged by Typhoon Elsie, and most of the islanders moved to Iriomote Island's Mihara area on the shore opposite to Yubu Island. In the midst of such a situation, the late Seiji Iriomote and his wife stayed on the island and created a handmade paradise by transporting soil and compost by a water buffalo and planting palm trees and flowers, with the romantic idea of "turning the island into a paradise garden". This was made possible in part by the support of many people who were inspired by the old couple's personality and passion.