Immigrant, Biodiversity, Cultural Heritage - Check Out Taiwan from The Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture

Coming out of Ishigaki 石垣 airport, we saw 'murder'- a flock of black crows sharing and eating a dead pigeon. Later I learned that 'the Jungle Crow' is common and prevalent on Ishigaki Island.

Arriving in Taketomi 竹富, we were welcomed by rows and rows of neatly trimmed  'The Indian Coral Tree' (Erythrina variegata)  - Okinawa prefectural flower designated in 1972. 

Deigo デイゴ in Japanese and written as '梯梧'. Although I am pretty sure linguistically borrowed/developed from 刺桐 ('Zaitun' - aka the historic name for Quanzhou 泉州)

The second photo - iconic black crow on symbolic Deigo,  I would therefore say represent one of the feature of The Yaeyama Islands.

Rapa Nui July 2025

What's worth mention here is my trip to Easter Island - The moment we hit the road after arriving at the small Rapa Nui airport - we saw rows and rows of 'coral tree' in every neighborhood. The scene continues during our entire stay. The tree isn't native to Rapa Nui, but was introduced a decade or two ago  (possibly from Australia. An evident case is Eucalyptus - introduced from Australia to Peru and Chile).

"Apart from looking pretty with its vibrant, bright red color - the thorny shrub functions as a natural barrier to unwelcomed guests (people, bird, or animal)"  - Martin (a common name in Meso-South American due to Spanish colonial influence) the local Māori -looing guide told me. 

Note 

Zaitun 刺桐 relationship with (in particular) Indigenous peoples of Taiwan, such as "Flying Fish Season" and  'The New Year" symbolism can be found HERE. HERE. and HERE (Etymology updates) (also source of the Nautical chart posted above).

INTRODUCTION (As in "Now I know more than I did")

1. The Philippine Sea plate 

2. Birthplace of Japanese 鷲 Eagle/Hawk folktale. In particular, Yaeyama Crested Serpent Eagle 大冠鷲 - Ishigashi and Iriomote Island.

Note - Indigenous Saisiyat and Paiwan 'Eagle' folktales in 1930 Japanese reports. Read HERE. 

3. 鳥夷文化 Ancient bird motifs

Interesting by putting together 'Big Rock' photos taken in Easter Island and Ishigaki. In Easter Island's case - location of The Tangata manu (Birdman) tradition. 

Note - Rapa Nui Birdman motif HERE. 

4. 釣魚臺列嶼 (Diaoyutai Islets)  Senkaku 尖閣諸島／せんかくしょとう 

Hirakubozaki Lighthouse 平久保崎燈塔 located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island

 

The sovereignty dispute over the Senkaku / Diaoyutai Islands is whether China ceded title to Japan in the Treaty of Shimonoseki signed in April 1895. 

The (reconstructed) room and the original building (Shunpanro 春帆樓) where The Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed I visited earlier in 2025.

5. Nanban 南蛮 (Nánmán)

Nanban 南蛮 definition in Japan changed with Portuguese arrival in the 16th century. Prior to that Nanban 南蛮 refers to SE Asia/South of China and here this Nanban (of Nanban Vase 南蛮甕) refers to Vietnam 安南 where it came from. 

Nanban 南蛮 is a very interesting subject. Articles I have done 

JAPÓN (IV) - Christian Cave Chapel Kyushu (with Formosa Rice and Indigenous Etymology)

JAPÓN (I) Fukushima Pride "Persimmons" to "San Juan Bautista" (One of the First Nanban 南蛮 Ship)
In Southern Taiwan, a Portuguese name for Spanish mackerel?

6. Gabaranu/Kabaranu and Kavalan/Cabalan

Kavalan - Sailing to the East 
Kabaranu - Sailing to the West 

# Banana tradition /Banana fiber weaving

松田良孝 Matsuda Yoshitaka, a Japanese journalist and writer wrote an article comparing Gabaranu/Kabaranu (Hoshidate Iriomote Island 西表島) with Kavalan/Cabalan (Yilan). Interesting observations and comparisons (despite no concrete evidence as Yoshitaka reported) considering the cultural similarities between the two. Article HERE.  

7. Ryukyu Identity (Linguistics)

 Ryukyu-jin /Uchinā-chu/Okinawan-person

I came across this article about Ryukyu Identity and thought the topic and methodology current. Source The web page HERE. 

- Uchinā (うちなー) is the native Okinawan language pronunciation for Okinawa Island and Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. 

 - Uchinanchu refers to someone with ancestral roots in the Okinawa islands (including Miyako and Yaeyama), recognizing a distinct history from mainland Japan. 

IMMIGRANTS

Kabira Bay 川平湾 

灣生 Wansei, Taiwan-born Japanese

An Okinawan from Taiwan @Tokyo

" The islands were used to be domain of my ancestors" replied Kabira Chōsei 川平朝清 when I asked him whether the two 'Kabiras' were related. 

Kabira-san is an "Okinawan from Taiwan" and told me when we met in Tokyo "I am going to Japan, not returning to, when we were forced to leave Taiwan in 1946" (for he is 灣生 Wansei，わんせい. Taiwan-born Japanese）

"My family's pearl business wasn't doing great and my father decided to move the family to Taiwan for a better perspective of life. I was born in Taichung." 

Kabira Bay - Birthplace of Black pearl

Kabira-san told me his shirt was traditional Okinawan and joked he probably forgot how to tie (necktie). I wondered whether the woven pattern had any meaning or significance as Kabira family were aristocrats of the Ryukyu Kingdom.  I didn't ask at the time.

At Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum I, however, saw similar woven patterns designed for aristocracy of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Swordfish Tempura 酥炸旗魚 a-má learned it in Keelung!

Although it's called 'Tempura' this swordfish batter is "Taiwanese" and a fond childhood memory too! I remembered it from junior high school served as a snack at the canteen. Mr 羅 our instructor said it's no longer available (at least not at an affordable price nor as a 'snack' in Taiwan) as swordfish had become too expensive. I took his words for it as I myself had not seen it around for a long time - at least not in Taipei. 

“86 years old a-má learned it from Keelung! when she was living there." And I attest  - it looks and tastes exactly like 50 years ago at the canteen!

海葡萄 Sea grapes (Umibudo) condiment (Ryukyu specialty)

Keelung's strong ties with Ryukyu Islands

In 2023, I had a good full-day trip to Keelung's Heping Island, and now three years later witnessing the Yaeyama Islands I cannot overstate the historical ties, cultural exchanges between the two - partially owing to, of course, similar biodiversity.

a-má's Swordfish tempura is a good example, along with Sea grapes (海葡萄 Umibudo) which I saw being cultivated, developed and served in Keelung in the same way as its birthplace Okinawa.

Dessert made with sea grape and agar (both Ryukyuan culinary heritage) I enjoyed very much
@Heping island Keelung

Ryukyu Fishermen's Settlement in Taiwan

A Ryukyuan fisherman statue at Heping Island (based on portrait of 內間長三 Uchima Chōzō who came to Keelung in 1905 ) holding a trident for spearfishing swordfish honors the community of some 500 Okinawan fishermen who settled in "Ryukyu Village" between 1905 and 1945, teaching Keelung locals fishing and shipbuilding techniques.

The statue symbolizes a special bond between the two peoples (as well as in memory of the Ryukyuan who stayed and were killed in 1947 228 event). (There were also Taiwanese came to Yaeyama escaping 228 massacre and white terror in 1947 and consequent years - Mr 羅 mentioned)

Swordfish spearfishing taught by The Ryukyuan fishermen

who settled in Keelung in early 1900s

Water buffalo and Pineapple farmers

(Between the 1930s and 1945, about 1,200 Taiwanese came to Ishigaki Island. This period was during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan . At that time, the Yaeyama Islands (an island group in southwestern Okinawa, with Ishigaki Island as the political and economic center) were recruiting Taiwanese to develop due to the " 八重山振興計畫 Yaeyama Revitalization Plan". Wikipedia)

The connection between Okinawan agriculture and Taiwanese cattle is through the introduction of water buffalo to Okinawa by Taiwanese immigrants in the 1930s, who brought the animals to help clear and plow pineapple fields.

Water Buffalo cart rides @Yubu island 由布島

'Adam and Eve' 大五郎 Daigoro and 花子 Hanako of Yubu water buffalo are fondly remembered by this lovely corner in the Yubu island. And we took two lovely rides (in and outbound)  - mine both pulled by a female buffalo who carried 8 persons instead of 15 by male's. They are said to be the fourth generation descendants of Daigoro 大五郎 and Hanako 花子. 

大五郎 Daigoro's descendant who damaged his left horn

花子 Hanako's descendant

Water buffalo troops (WWII)

Which reminds me of  立石鐵臣 Tateishi Tetsuomi  (1905-1980) emotional account of Takasago 高砂 'water buffalo troops' driver over WWII - The small guy was Tateishi Tetsuomi  himself being a teenager drafted into a youth troop fighting for war. The big fellow is a a local indigenous in Hualien. 

BIODIVERSITY 

How interesting is this?! VERY!

The Kuroshio Current transports migratory species forming a crucial fishing resource for Taiwan and Japan.

Here is my article covers Kuroshio Flying Fish from Heaven, Seafaring Austronesians, Mackay's Breadfruit,...

What's to note which I didn't mention is (紅)綢魚 (Red) snapper.  Japanese red snapper (Madai 真鯛 "true sea bream") is often called the "King of Fish" in Japan, and is the fish shape of a traditional snack Taiyaki (鯛焼き). 

Taiwan Harvest Magazine 豐年雜誌
Inaugural issue 1951 July 15

Sea grapes (Umibudo) and agar (also known in Japanese as kanten 寒天 ) production methods and cultural applications introduced by Ryukyuan settlers to Keelung locals. 

@Ishigashi market

@ Heping island Keelung where Japanese origin
and source is acknowledged

Mangroves 

Iriomote Island 西表島 UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve featuring Japan's largest mangrove forests.

蛭木 / ヒルギ (Hirugi) and 膝根 (ひざね, hizane) are both Japanese terms used for mangrove trees. As far as I understand 膝根 (ひざね, hizane, which directly translates to "knee roots") refers specifically the Ohirugi (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) for its characterized knee-like roots.

Mangroves @ Palau (2019)

Mangroves in Taiwan

Although there is reported earlier mangrove (which might have extinct) record for Taiwan, The Kandelia obovata mangroves in the Tamsui River estuary were reintroduced or expanded from Fujian by a prominent enterpriser 黃東茂.

黃東茂 who played a historical role with 英商三美路商會 (Samuel Samuel & Co., Ltd) is seen here around 1919 with 洪以南 and 下村宏 (Hiroshi Shimomura) who strikes the ceremonial first golf ball

@Tamsui golf club

Pandanus (Screw pine)

Pro-Austronesian etymology

Adan (アダン / 阿檀) in Okinawa and Taiwan - "Pandan" originates from the Malay word pandan. The term is derived from the Proto-Austronesian word *paŋudaN

The Pandanus fruit is specifically recognized as a favored food source for coconut crabs and hermit crabs. 




Culinary use - Okinawans only eat the inner stem/stalk 莖 or young shoots for stir-fries or tempura. Japanese consider its fruit too fibrous for human consumption but more commonly eaten by crabs (specifically coconut crabs and hermit crabs). 

Pandanus 林投 Lin-Tou. Also known as Adan 阿檀 (Taiwan) 

Often seen accompanying 川七 (Anredera cordifolia), at least in Keelung. Sister Lin Tou 林投姐 is a most known female-ghost folktale.

@Heping Island Keelung

Pandanus trees @Taichung Daan beach 1900s

Culinary use -The fruit is eaten in Taiwan - in particular Lanyu (Orchid island). But not as a staple for indigenous Tao.

Coconut crabs （Birgus latro） 椰子蟹

In Taiwan found on Orchid island, Green island and Eastern coast.

The Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) small wildcat, critically endangered found exclusively in Irimote island. 

Very similar to Taiwan's Leopard cat 石虎 (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Wild boar 

Inoshishi 猪 (boar) Buta 豚 (pig) 

In Japan, the wild boar (inoshishi) symbolizes courage, determination, fertility and prosperity often seen as fierce but also a protector. HERE. 

@Taketomi 竹富

Boar's symbol of power and prosperity plays the same role in indigenous Taiwanese culture.
And remember there was no Japan’s thousand- year meat ban enforced in Ryukyu islands as Ryukyu wasn’t part of Japan until late 1800s.

HORSE ploughing 

Something you don’t see in Taiwan ( at least I haven’t) about traditional agriculture practices is horse ploughing equipment. Here - there are a mixture of items indicating respectively cattle and horse ploughing tradition, for example, harness and ploughing equipment.

Note -Yonaguni ponies were historically used by locals to carry rice and sugarcane across the island, particularly suited to the terrain.

WEAVING and FABRIC DYEING

1. 13 Types of Okinawa Dyed and Woven Textiles HERE. 

2. Bashofu (banana fiber cloth) is a highly valued, traditional textile from Okinawa, Japan, with a history spanning over 500 years. Basho-fu is the only fabric in Japan that continues to be made by hand HERE. 

3. Ramie Weaving Asian Facts (Fine Japan/Korea. Coarse Taiwan/Philippines) - Linguistics and Traditions. HERE. (an earlier post and 'now' I witness)

I think the topic is BIG in terms of indigenous cultural revitalizations currently undertaken in Taiwan. What's interesting here is - weaving and dyeing knowledge and information I picked up in one day in Yaeyama is more than I did over 5 years' indigenous visits in Taiwan. But of course, that maybe because I am more equipped and experienced now in collecting and absorbing information than I was. 

Yaeyama historical heritages 

1.フクギ (Fukugi) 福木 (Garcinia subelliptic). 
Fukugi (Fu 福 luck) -culture in Taiwan was brought in by Japanese. It's a magnificent tree you can't avoid seeing in Okinawa. 

Brought in 1903 from Ryukyu by Antei Tashiro 田代安定 

(陳德順 胡大雄 1976）

Fukugi-Dye 福木染 is now common in Taiwan - at least for what I have seen, in Hualien. 

2. Akane 茜 あかね, アカネ (Rubia cordifolia/Rubia argyi/Madder) is the Japanese word for 'deep red'. Akane-dye ancient and historical tradition I was educated well in Sendai.  

3. 薯榔 （紅露) Dyeing yam  ソメモノイモ 染物 芋 (Somemono imo) (Dioscorea cirrhosa)

4. Formosa palm. Kurotsugu (クロツグ / 黒櫟) (Arenga engleri) 

Native to Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands. Its tough, black fibers, found at the leaf bases, were used to make durable, water-resistant ropes and fishing nets in Japan.

櫟 (Quercus) this word I now know is used in Seediq revitalization "Pusu Qhuni"(Tree 櫟 covered boulders) . See HERE. 

6. Shell ginger 月桃. Ai-zome (藍染め) Indigo-dye

7. Yonaguni ori (and Kanakanavu/southern Tsou of Taiwan)

Yonaguni ori 500-year-old traditional textile known for its distinct geometric, brocade techniques.

The Kanakanavu
@National Taiwan University Anthropology 

Taiwan Indigenous revitalization (based on my experience and observation)

1. Banana fiber fabric 

"The Tao (and very likely also the Kavalans) used 'Introduced banana species' for fiber weaving - for its strength and length. Introduced species such as from Singapore in the 1900s. Under Japanese Administrations Taiwan was one of the two places produce banana-fiber- fabric, the other is Okinawa." Indigenous banana fiber weaving of Taiwan 

2. Rice grain pattern (Japanese sashiko 'rice grain' and Seediq puniri '米粒 rice grain' similarity) 

“one of the primary sashiko patterns is commonly known as the " rice grain" (or komezashi in Japanese) pattern because the small, even stitches resemble grains of rice. 
“Seediq 'rice gain' and Japanese sashiko weaving tradition

God's language in weaving 

3. Hualien riverine offer mineral pigments for natural dyeing and mud containing iron-bearing minerals excellent for pottery and Jade. Mud for pottery/jade.

4. Areca nut (Betel nut) dye common and popular in Taiwan. (Not in The Ryukyu islands)

Betel nut dye @Taipei

5. 茜草（Rubia cordifolia) dye in Taiwan appeared in Qing document. A good example is from National Taiwan University Anthropology  - an item made with dog hair dyed with 茜草. Others such as British museum etc see HERE. 

CULTURAL HERITAGE

1. Ryukyu iconic dish

Bitter melon (goya ゴーヤー) is a staple vegetable and cultural icon in Okinawa. 

Rahutee (Okinawan) is an iconic pork belly dish deeply rooted in Ryukyu royal cuisine (Ryukyu kingdom where Japan's thousand year meat-ban was not enforced). 

The dish is known in as Kakuni 角煮 in Japan. 

Chanpurū (チャンプルー) or Champon (ちゃんぽん, Chanpon) meaning 'something mixed' very likely a proto-Austronesian linguistic origin. 

Famous Ishigashi beef (noodle soup). 

Side dish - Ryukyu specialty  umibudo (sea grape), Takuan (yellow daikon pickle) and guess WHAT? Pig ears marinated in peanut source!!

Very tasty Chicken Nanban - Nanban dish mentioned above. Tartar sauce is lovely, chicken succulent and moist.

2. 嫁妝一牛車 Wedding Bull Cart 

A Taiwanese old-time wedding tradition played a role @Taketomi 竹富.   

Akabanā 紅花 (red flower) (扶桑花 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)  a symbol of Okinawa often used in traditional hedges. 

3. Sampan and 傳馬船（Tenma-sen）

Fishing boat with eyeballs and narrow head was common in Keelung and Tamsui during Japanese period as well as 傳馬船 (Tenma-sen). I did a post HERE about something I noticed on a Ketagalan (probably) house panel. 

Tamsui boat see HERE for the report. 

Details HERE.

4. Shells tools/ pottery, jade artifacts 

(many similarities with what I saw in Ketagalan culture center and displays on northern Taiwan archeological discoveries)

5. 不動明王 /不動三尊 acalanātha  

Deity safeguarding hot springs introduced by Japanese in early 1900s

御神崎燈塔 Oganzaki Lighthouse

Suddenly a small cave temple in Beitou became highly intriguing after my recent Yaeyama trip … Thanks to Taiwanese and Japanese friends input - they told me it’s common Guanyin is male in Japan, and the origin of  不動三尊 acalanātha in Japan.

I in return told them something they didn’t know that in Beitou we have 不動明王 acalanātha deity safeguarding hot springs which was Introduced by Japanese in early 1900s.

I also found photos (2024) of such safeguarding hot springs deities taken in Shimane 島根 at a historical onsen site. Shimane prefecture (in particular Izumo 出雲) is considered "the birthplace of Japanese mythology" and origin of Japanese saké (rice wine).

6. Warazan/barazan (藁算) is a historical knotted-cord recording system used in the Ryukyu Kingdom for accounting, taxes, tracking items (like rice and sacred sake), and record-keeping.  

Naturally, having been to Peru, I compare with Quipu (most  prominently used by the Inca Empire ) which is considered a record-keeping devices.

7. 風獅爺 シーサー Shisa 獅子 and 石敢當 （Stone tablet for warding off evil ）

Okinawa's (with its own unique Shisa culture) is more similar with Penghu than Kinmen for you find them on the roof. I purposedly took shots including plants which serve a reference point of similar botany with Taiwan.

8. Tomb-Sweeping Festival 清明節

Ryukyu tomb-sweeping tradition originated from China. I did not know it's a tradition here until I saw 'Tomb-sweeping food' offer in the supermarket. 

One traditional food offering is Sata Andagi ,which is our 開口笑.

9. Charcoal Iron  

I don't think I have seen charcoal iron  in Taiwan old-time  culture? 

Probably the most interesting 'technology transfer' case I have seen in all my travels is several years ago in Budapest Xmas market where charcoal-iron were used to grill, cook, and heat a variety of street food! Love it!