is a village located in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The village consists of more than 20 islands approximately west of the prefectural capital of Naha.

Geography

thumb|left|220px|Furuzamami Beach in Zamami Island

The principal islands of the village of Zamami include , , , and .

History

Zamami was settled as early as the Shellmidden Period of the Ryukyu Islands. The period corresponds roughly to the Jōmon period (14,000 – 300 BC) of the Japanese home islands. Shell middens in Zamami include the Furuzamami midden on Zamami Island and the Utaha midden on Aka Island.

Prior to World War II the village was noted for the production of charcoal used in Naha. The village was noted for its numerous fisherman. Bonito fishing was introduced to Zamami in 1901, the first in Okinawa Prefecture, and the village became a center of katsuobushi, a dried bonito fillet essential to Japanese cuisine.

Air

The Kerama Islands are served by the Kerama Airport, located on Fukaji Island.

  • Name (Japanese) (Type of registration)

Cultural Properties

  • Asa Ship Captain Residence (stone wall and hinpun wall) (阿佐船頭殿の石垣とヒンプン) (Municipal)
  • Takara Family Residence (高良家住宅) (National)
  • Tuna Fishing Industry Foundation Memorial (鰹漁業創始功労記念碑) (Municipal)

Zamami was the setting for the manga IO.

References

  • Zamami Village Office Homepage
  • Zamami Village Tourism Association (Information for tourists about accessing the village and activities on the islands)
  • Zamami Tourist Information (Official English travel guide supported by the Village Office and Tourism Association)
  • An English website, Zamami English Guide, was built by the local English teacher in 2010.
  • Zamami Times (Newspaper-style blog with up-to-date information about news and events in village)
  • Kerama 3D Designs homepage Design and interpretative services