Sabani boat carpenter, Tomoatsu Yoshida
Tomohiro Yoshida builds sabani, traditional Okinawan wooden boats. In 2015, he established a shipyard in Kuura, in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, and has been making sabani entirely by hand. He shared his favorite spot in the nature-rich northern part of the island where he lives with his family.
"The coral in the sea right in front of the village is incredibly beautiful. Even when coral bleaching was severe in the Yaeyama Islands about five years ago, the coral reefs around here remained healthy." It's a spot with no current and easy to swim in, and they even include snorkeling here on their traditional Okinawan boat tours.
Approximately 3 minutes by car
This spot along Route 206 offers a beautiful view. You can see outlying islands, and cows grazing peacefully in the foreground. "You can see all the way to Iriomote Island, the view is great, and it's easy to check the sea conditions," says a comment typical of someone who lives by the sea. There is parking available, near Ainama Stone.
Approximately 3 minutes by car
"It's a bay, so it's calm all year round. There's not much debris washed ashore by the wind, so the beach is always clean." They often visited when their two children were little, and it's a place full of family memories.
Approximately 7 minutes by car
Located at the northernmost point of the island, this school boasts a tranquil atmosphere with magnificent mountains as its backdrop. Due to a decline in the local child population, it has been closed since April 2021. "I was the PTA president for five years, so I have many fond memories. It's a shame that the school is closed," said one sigh. While entry is prohibited, take a peek at its relaxed atmosphere.
Take a break, and on a summer evening...
Barringtonia racemosa flowers bloom every year around June or July. "I make sure to go see them every year. There's also a tree that we planted to commemorate my daughter's elementary school graduation, so I enjoy watching it grow." Barringtonia racemosa is a mystical flower that blooms for only one night, with its petals beginning to open in the evening, reaching full bloom during the night, and then wilting by dawn.
Tomohiro Yoshida
Originally from Tokyo, he has lived in northern Ishigaki Island for 17 years. After training under a local boat builder, he established Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding. In addition to building sabani boats, he also conducts sabani boating tours.