It goes without saying that the construction of the Japan-Korea Tunnel will have a huge impact on revitalizing the planned region. Unless the plan is carried out in harmony with the natural environment and promotes local industries, it will be impossible to gain the support of the local people. The two islands of Iki and Tsushima differ considerably in size, but they have much in common. Both lie like stepping stones between Japan and Korea, and have long been strategic points on maritime routes, and were once counted as one of the eight provinces of the Saikaido, known as Iki Province and Tsushima Province, respectively.
The characteristics of Iki and Tsushima can be summed up in one word: Iki is "feminine" and Tsushima is "masculine." The former has almost no mountains and a gentle topography, while the latter has extremely steep peaks, and the entire island is practically a continuous mountain range. Despite these different topography, both islands share the beauty of their coastlines. The sharp cliffs, intricate bays and inlets of various sizes, and the emerald and cobalt blue oceans create a striking contrast with the deep green of the inland islands, creating a truly beautiful landscape. Both islands were designated "Iki-Tsushima Quasi-National Park" in 1968, and their scenic beauty, under the official protection of the national government, welcomes many tourists.
As such, currently, Iki and Tsushima are both located in Nagasaki Prefecture, and are islands with populations of around 50,000 and suffering from depopulation. However, once the Japan-Korea Tunnel opens, the two islands will undoubtedly follow completely different paths of development. The more we observe the islands and analyze their positions in three dimensions, the more we see that while they are different, they also each have their own distinctive characteristics. Next, we will
identify and highlight the problems of each island, while also extracting their benefits and possibilities, in order to envision a realistic vision for the islands' future.
First, let's take a look at the island of Iki. Iki is made up of four towns: Gonoura, Ishida, Ashibe, and Katsumoto. The prefectural branch office is in Gonoura Town, which is the administrative, cultural, and educational center of the island. It has a population of 14,600 and an area of 44 km2. The history of Gonoura dates back to the end of the 15th century, when the Hata clan unified Iki and built a castle in Takefumizu, centered around Kametake Castle. Gonoura is also home to Gonoura Onsen (25 degrees, saline spring), and tourist spots such as Takenotsuji and Saruiwa. There is a great view from the small hill of Takenotsuji, with Tsushima visible in the distance.
Ishida Town has a population of 5,700 and an area of 16 km². There is an airport within the town. Electricity magnate Yasuzaemon Matsunaga was born in this town, and the Matsunaga Memorial Hall is located near his birthplace. Livestock farming is a thriving industry, and Wagyu beef (for meat) is famous. There are also many orchards, and the coast is blessed with great fishing spots.
Ashibe Town is the site of the ancient provincial capital, and is home to famous historical sites such as Ankokuji Temple, the battlefield of the Mongol invasions, and the beautiful Sakyo-bana coastline. The large colony of Iwadarenezu (Japanese spindle tree) is designated as a natural monument. The town has a population of 11,200 and an area of 45 km².
Katsumoto Town is home to Yunomoto Onsen (51-56 degrees, saline spring), a beautiful cove with a small fishing port, and is blessed with a resort environment. The town has a population of 8,500 and an area of 30 km².
As mentioned above, the four towns clearly divide the island into four quarters, and each has its own unique characteristics. The common feature of the four towns is that they have ports and have developed around port towns, and they also have beautiful coastlines with many visitors.
Next, let's extract the problems facing the four towns and look ahead to the future of Iki Island.
First, let's list the problems and issues facing the four towns:
1) A common concern for the four towns is that their populations are either flat or slightly declining. They are also aging. There is a noticeable outflow of young people, and there is a strong need for measures to encourage people to return.
2) The four towns tend to check each other rather than compete, maintaining too much balance across the four towns, which seems to be diminishing the "image of Iki." The four towns must work together to improve the island's overall image.
3) The island is extremely flat, with its entire surface consisting of gentle hills, plains, and forests. However, there is currently no ingenuity in land use, and there are no major roads, making it very unclear and difficult to understand. It is urgent to create a master plan for all four towns, and there is a strong desire for development that is appropriate for the island. When creating the master plan, the construction of the Japan-Korea Tunnel should be considered as a prerequisite.
4. A major factor hindering the island's development is the contradiction that daily life spans three prefectures: Fukuoka City as its economic base, Nagasaki City as its administrative base, and Karatsu City as its geographic base. Unless this contradiction is resolved more clearly, the island's future will become increasingly complicated. 5.
Iki's unique industries, such as shochu, wagyu beef, and fruit farming, should be utilized while new industries that will help improve the island's image should be introduced. Furthermore, Iki's scenic coastline, bays, and small ports offer the qualities of a marine leisure base. These should be utilized more effectively.
6. The flat terrain makes development relatively easy. The island's location, ideal for vacation homes, could also function as a suburban residential area for Fukuoka City once a tunnel is connected to Kyushu in the future. Sports facilities associated with residential areas, such as tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, and soccer fields, should also be appropriately located on the island.
The four towns of Iki should aim to create a system that can attract tourists as resort areas with sports facilities, while making the most of their respective characteristics and promoting local industries. It would be ideal for development to focus on each of these areas: Gonoura as a resort residential area making use of its hot springs, Ishida as local industries, Katsumoto as health, medical and educational facilities, and Ashibe as sports facilities. Of course, it goes without saying that the towns should connect with each other and cooperate with each other in order to aim for the integrated development of the island.
[Resort residential area] This is positioned as a suburban residential area of an economically important city such as Fukuoka City, or as a weekend residence. In this case, it is essential to have sports facilities, and it is also desirable to have health facilities and hot spring facilities nearby. The homes are resort-style detached houses with large gardens of an average of 100 tsubo (approx. 330m²).
[Developing local industries] To promote local industries such as shochu, Wagyu beef (beef cattle), and fruit trees, the establishment of steak restaurants linked to tourism and the brewing of local wine are conceivable. [
Attracting and constructing facilities] With the island's warm climate and hot springs, attracting facilities for seniors in an aging society is promising. These include long-term accommodations with geriatric medical care and housing for the elderly. Other possibilities include attracting and constructing a non-polluting high-tech industrial research institute and a health facility (such as a spa using hot springs) with physical fitness and fitness facilities related to sports facilities.
[Construction of various sports facilities] Currently, there is only one golf course on the island, but the island's topography makes it possible to build several more. Furthermore, since the island's environment is suitable for training camps for athletes, the grounds currently used for university sports club training camps could be expanded to include tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, swimming pools, gateball courts, and other facilities for the elderly.
[Construction of a marina] The coastal area of the main island has many inlets and is blessed with natural marina facilities. It is possible to build at least one marina in each of the four towns.
[Establishment of a marathon course] The circumference of the main island is approximately 60 km. A full marathon course of 42.195 km will be constructed there, so that the annual "Iki Marathon" can be held as a town-wide event, and as a national or international event.
From the above, the future themes for the four towns can be listed as follows:
1) Each town should have its own unique characteristics,
each with its own charm and individuality.
2) Have a unified image for the four towns.
A total image combining all four towns is necessary. We want an image that gives a clear answer to the question, "What kind of island is Iki?" in one word.
3) Maintain balance among the
four towns. It is no good if only one town stands out; it is important that the four towns maintain a certain balance.
4) Have a "face" for the four towns
. Gonoura Town, the current center, will function as the front door and as the center in both name and reality. To achieve this, it is necessary to complete not only administrative but also cultural, commercial, information, and educational facilities. We must also ensure that road traffic to the other three towns is smoother.
Iki
City's official website. Administrative information, event calendar, and information on tourist attractions.
http://www.city.iki.nagasaki.jp/
Development and Outlook for the Iki and Tsushima Regions
Overview of the Japan-Korea Tunnel
