Starry sky guide, Takarazono Hiroyuki
Returning to the island from the city, Hozono Hiroyuki has once again experienced the splendor of the island's nature and is now spreading the charm of the Yaeyama starry sky. He is officially recognized as a "Churaboshi Meister" by the Ishigaki City Tourism Association and serves as a stargazing guide on Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island. We asked Hozono about his recommended stargazing spots on Ishigaki Island.
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is the first in Japan to be provisionally certified as a "Starry Sky Reserve" by the International Dark-Sky Association. Beyond the mangroves, we can see the Winter Triangle. The blue light on the left is Sirius, part of the Triangle in the constellation Canis Major.
The Milky Way is also clearly visible. The coast near Tamatorizaki is within the Starry Sky Protection Area. From the pitch-black sandy beach, you can see the starry sky stretching southward. "I want everyone to come and see the beautiful starry sky of the Yaeyama Islands, which is one of the best in the world."
This photo was taken at dawn. Venus is the brightest star on the left. And to the right of the large cloud, you can see the constellation Scorpio. "It's amazing that you can see so many stars so close to a residential area."
Sugarcane fields and the Milky Way can be seen from the high fields of Miyara. The great thing about this spot is that it's so high up and there are no obstructions, so you can see the stars low in the sky right on the horizon. "Sometimes you can see the constellations, the Milky Way, and the moonrise at the same time."
The star cluster, Pleiades, can be seen to the left of the center. It can be seen mainly in winter, but from autumn through spring. The single road south of Ozato village has few streetlights, so you can park your car and enjoy the starry sky.
After graduating from Yae High School, he moved to Tokyo to study architecture, then worked in sales for a record company. In 2012, he returned to the island and worked for a food company, before moving to Hoshizora Tourism Co., Ltd., where he currently works as a starry sky guide, advertising designer at 730 creative works, and promoting CDs for PANA, Kiyama Shoten, BEGIN, and others.