The Nationally Protected "Iriomote Cat" This video, "Iriomote cat," was created by "okinawastoryMediaLib," and features special footage of the rare and endangered species- the Iriomote cat. In this article, we bring you facts and information on the ecology of the Iriomote cat, a subspecies of the Leopard cat. From 00:24 in the video, you can see the carnivorous Iriomote cat search for and successfully find food amongst the fallen leaves. The Iriomote cat looks different from a domestic cat in several ways: it has round ears with a cloudy white mark on its back (a feature found in many wild cats), a thick, bushy tail, its fur has a spotted pattern, and the area surrounding the eyes is white in color. Take a look at the unique features of the Iriomote cat in this video! More About the Iriomote Cat, a Species Endemic to the Iriomote Island of Okinawa Photo：Iriomote cat The Iriomote cat, native to Iriomote Island, is often referred to as Yamapikarya or Yamamaya by the locals. The call of an Iriomote cat sounds similar to that of a domestic cat, however they rarely cry. Unfortunately, the number of Iriomote cats is decreasing and there are thought to be only around 100 cats remaining on Iriomote Island. In 1965, when the Iriomote cat was first discovered on Iriomote Island, it was thought to be a new species. However, research has categorized the Iriomote cat as a member of the genus Prionailurus, family Felidae. Other than the domesticated cat, the Iriomote cat of Iriomote Island and the leopard cat (scientific name: Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) of Nagasaki prefecture's Tsushima Island are the only two known cat species to inhabit Japan. Iriomote cats are nocturnal animals who live in the mountain forest. Outside of breeding season they tend to live a solitary life. The average weight of an Iriomote cat is 3-4kg, with an average height 50-60cm, and an average life span of 7-8 years in the wild. They have a varied diet that consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and insects. The breeding season is from February to April during which time they stick to their territory avoiding potential rivals (other members of the same sex). Unfortunately, the survival of the Iriomote cat is under threat from the continued development destroying their habitat, traffic accidents, and contagious diseases. There are no zoos or facilities that breed or raise Iriomote cats. However, the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center strives to protect the Iriomote cat and at the facility you can learn about the rare cat through various materials, documents, and even stuffed animals. You can also purchase cute Iriomote cat plush toys, T-shirts, and other Iriomote cat related goods at the Iriomote Island Tourist Center. Summary of the Iriomote Cat Source :YouTube screenshot Please take a look at the beautiful Iriomote cat in this video as it's incredibly rare to catch a glimpse of this endangered species in the wild. From 3:51 in the video, you can even see some rare footage of the Iriomote cat climbing a tree. We hope you enjoyed watching this precious footage of the Iriomote cat! 【Official Website】Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Iriomote cat https://iwcc.jp/iriomotecat/cat/

Introducing the Okinawa Rail - A Protected Species in Japan This video, titled “Wild Okinawa rail (Kunigami, Okinawa prefecture) May 11th-12th, 2019（野生の ヤンバルクイナ (沖縄県国頭村) 2019年5月11-12日) introduces the Okinawa rail, a protected species on the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment. The Okinawa rail is also a critically endangered species and a Specified National Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. They are flightless birds and live only in Okinawa. This video was taken in 2019 on the street in Kunigami, Okinawa prefecture. The bird is an endemic species found only in northern Okinawa prefecture, Kunigami, Ogimison, and Higashison, and is referred to as "Yanbaru." It's a very rare bird, not only in Japan but also around the world. The forest area located in the northern part of Okinawa is called the Yanbaru Forest. Kunigami Village, where wild Okinawa rail (Yanbaru Kuina) appear frequently, is called the Forest of Kuina. There is an Okinawa Rail Ecology Center, and the Yanbaru Kuina observatory is located there. The Ecology of the Okinawa Rail Photo：Okinawa rail The wild Okinawa rail is characterized by the following morphology and characteristics: ・Birds, Order Gruiformes, Family Rallidae, scientific name: Gallirallus okinawae ・Size: approx. 35 cm in length with a weight of 230 gramst ・Wild distribution：The woodlands near Mt. Yonahatake ・Eating habits：Omnivorous ・Nesting：They build nests on the grounds of the forest, and lay about 4 eggs in breeding season. ・They have vestigial wings and are unable to fly, but parent birds have bright red bills and beautifully striped feathers. Chicks have a protective coloring of deep black feathers. ・Their calls are distinctive, and very loud. The Origins of the Name "Yanbaru Kuina," and the History the Okinawa Rail Photo：Okinawa rail The first discovery of the wild Okinawa rail by experts was in 1981, which is actually quite recent. There are various kinds of Rallidae (rails) around the world, but it gained a lot of attention as the first rail species to be discovered in the wild. In Okinawa Prefecture, they were called by different names such as Agachi, Agacha, and Yamadui, depending on the region, and it turned out that they are a species indigenous to the region with a long history. Therefore, they were named Yanbaru Kuina from Yamadui, which means bird of the mountains, using the Kanji "山原"as a phonetic equivalent (pronounced Yanbaru in Okinawa dialect). Other than Yanbaru Kuina, Yanbaru Fumiru and Okinawa Kuina were other possible names. Summary of Very Rare Okinawa Rail Photo：An Okinawa rail crossing sign The Okinawa rail is an endangered species of wild bird that can only be seen in Yanbaru Forest on the main island of Okinawa. Even in Okinawa Prefecture, you cannot see them on remote islands such as Miyako Island. They are a very rare endemic species. The reasons for the decline in the Okinawa rail's population are due to deaths from car accidents and attacks by alien predators such as mongooses, Yellow fever mosquitoes, and stray cats. At 0:10 in the video, an Okinawa rail is seen crossing the road at a brisk pace, raising concerns about traffic accidents. Japan is still an island country with 70% of its land surrounded by forests, and there are many rare wild indigenous species that are only found in Japan, so it is said to be very important for the protection of indigenous species that we do not pollute the natural environment through overexploitation, nor bring dangerous alien species into the country without care. Currently, the Ministry of the Environment is taking the lead in protecting the Okinawa rail, breeding mates, increasing their numbers, and returning them to the wild. However, it is important not only to protect them strictly, but also to make people widely aware of Okinawa rails. In this way there are goods such as stuffed animals sold at roadside stations and airport shops in Okinawa. These awareness raising activities are also part of the important protection policies.

This video, titled "[Once in a Lifetime Miracle] Click Here to See a Fight to the Death With a Massive Fish! (Ishigaki, Night 3)" (【生涯一本の奇跡】超巨大魚との死闘の記録はこちら（石垣第3夜）), was released by "Monkfish Hours" (あんこうアワーズ). This is a 22 minute video showing a fight to the death while trying to land a massive fish! The fish caught was a 165 cm long, 83 kg giant grouper, which broke the record in Okinawa. The video will have you on the edge of your seat as they try to land this behemoth of a fish!

Popular Scuba Diving Spots in the Sea of Miyako Island (Miyakojima): Video Introduction This video, titled "The Unbelievably Beautiful Diving in Miyako Island" (宮古島のダイビングがありえないほど綺麗な件), was uploaded by Ldive, a scuba diving specialty store located in the Nagoya area of Aichi prefecture. In the video, you can explore maze-like caves that will make you feel like an explorer and the fantastical blue light illuminates them. The video captures what it feels like to go scuba diving, with encounters with sea creatures, the sound of divers breathing, and the changing colors of the sea as light filters down. Be sure to enjoy the video as you read on. Miyako Island, a Great Place for Scuba Diving in Okinawa, Japan Photo：A diver Miyako Island, located approximately 300km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, is a popular destination for scuba diving. The island is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Irabu Island, Tarama Island, and Shimoji Island. It has a subtropical maritime climate that is warm, hot, and humid throughout the four seasons. Most of the strata are Ryukyu limestone from uplifted coral reefs, formed by overlapping blocks of sandstone and mud slabs. The entire island has an almost flat, low plateau-like landscape. The area around Hirara Port, a 15-minute drive from the airport, has accommodations, restaurants, and dive stores, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing on the island. A rental car is recommended for sightseeing. However, sightseeing cabs and local buses are also available to take you to popular sightseeing spots. Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are the most popular remote islands in Okinawa. However, if you want to take your time to enjoy the water, we recommend Miyako Island, with its many attractive scuba diving sites. The West Coast of Shimoji Island: A Popular Spot for Scuba Diving Photo：Cave diving on Miyako Island One of the characteristics of Miyako Island's diving spots is the abundance of caves. Some caves are so narrow that only one person can pass through and there are also places where it is pitch black without an underwater light. The darkness of the caves is what makes the blue light that filters through the openings even more incredible. The blue light and the bubbles exhaled by the divers create a fantastic scene. Be sure to check it out in the video. [Video] 3:00 - A Narrow Cave [Video] 3:50 - A Diver and the Mystical Blue Light In the video, you can also see various encounters with sea creatures and other moments that can only be experienced while scuba diving. The Palace of the Demon King is a popular spot among divers, with its structure resembling a labyrinth with three rooms connected by corridors. The light that filters through the opening and into the corridor 25 meters deep makes it seem like an underwater palace. [Video] 4:40 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 6:42 - Encounters with Marine Life [Video] 7:26 - Encounters with Marine Life Toriike Pond, a Natural Monument Known as the 'Dragon's Eye' Photo：Toriike Pond, Miyako, Island Toriike Pond, often called 'The Dragon's Eye" is a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. The two ponds are connected via an underground cave, with the pond on the west side being connected to the ocean. There is also a nearby mini-grotto, which is said to have incredibly beautiful water. In addition to these, there are other popular diving spots such as "Antonio Gaudi" with artistic overlapping arches that change depending on the angle from which they are viewed, is also located nearby. "Nakanoshima Hall" has a fantastic view of blue light pouring straight down through a series of vertical caverns to a depth of approximately 25 meters. Another popular dive site is "Marine Lake," where you can see a long cave and a view of strong sunlight that shines into the cave like a laser beam. Irabu Bridge and the Scuba Diving Sites of Irabu Island That Await You Photo：Irabu Island, Okinawa Irabu Bridge, which connects the main island of Miyakojima and Irabu Island, offers beautiful scenery surrounded by the blue seas and skies. Beyond that, Irabu Island is also dotted with popular diving sites. Blue Cave, is a mysterious cave glowing with blue light located on the north side of Irabu Island, where you can see colorful coral and schools of tropical fish. Near Blue Cave, there is also Cross Hole, which is said to be the most beautiful place on Irabu Island. "Shiratori Kindergarten," uniquely named because of the large number of juvenile fish there, and "Snake Hole," where fog is generated due to waves and manta rays often pass by in early spring, are also popular dive sites with many attractions. Scuba Diving Tours to Popular Points on Miyako Island Photo：A woman diving There are various types of diving tours available, including tours that include free rental of equipment such as underwater cameras, underwater lights, and dive computers, tours that include round-trip airfare, lodging, and diving, tours that include rental cars, tours that include box lunches made from local ingredients, and tours that include free photos as a gift. There are two types of scuba diving: experience diving, in which beginners can participate, and fun diving, in which only licensed divers (C-card holders) can participate. The experience diving course for beginners includes basic training, such as how to breathe, how to remove pressure in ears, how to handle equipment, and hand signs (hand signals), and you can also enjoy a walk underwater with a guide or instructor. The popular diving license acquisition course includes a plan that allows you to stay at a hotel with a diving store attached to it, and is recommended for those who want to acquire a license in a short period of time (2 to 3 days). Miyako Blue: The Beautiful Waters of Miyako Island Photo：Coral reefs at Yabiji, Miyako Island Miyako Island has many breathtaking spots where you can enjoy its beautiful waters which have been dubbed "Miyako Blue." ●Yabiji Yabiji is Japan's largest coral reef group, consisting of over 100 large and small coral reefs. Known as the Great Barrier Reef of Japan, it's a popular spot where you can see vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles in the emerald green sea. ●Yonaha Maehama Beach Yonaha Maehama Beach is a 7km long stretch of white sandy beach and is said to be the most beautiful sea in the East. The sea is a gradient of emerald green to deep blue, and is especially beautiful at sunset. ●Cape Higashi-Hennazaki Located at the easternmost point of Miyako Island, sits the approximately 2km beautiful cape of Higashi-Hennazaki. It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean to the south and the East China Sea to the north, and it has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Other popular spots include the Sunayama Beach, known for its fine powdery snow-like sand and rock arches formed via erosion from waves, as well as Irabu Island's Triangulation Point, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Miyako Blue from a 70-meter cliff. Traditional Crafts, Delicious Food, and One-Of-A-Kind Souvenirs on Miyako Island Photo：Miyako Soba (Soki Soba), Okinawa Miyako Island is known for its unique cuisine and traditional crafts that are popular as souvenirs. Miyako Island's gourmet foods include Miyako soba, which is Okinawa soba that originated on Miyako Island, Miyako beef, which must be raised on the island for at least 15 months, Miyako adzuki a traditional vegetable, and Doug's Burger," made with yellow fin tuna from Miyako Island and Japanese black beef from Tarama Island. Other popular products include ripe mangoes with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and flavor, chunky sweet and sour island bananas, and additive-free pure brown sugar made from nutrient-rich sugarcane. The Miyakojima City Traditional Crafts Center sells various items and hosts tours where visitors can experience traditional Miyako Island crafts, such as Miyako Jofu, a traditional textile which is woven with threads made from fibers of the ramie plant, Miyako-ori, a hand-woven fabric made using cotton for the warp and spun ramie fibers for the weft, and Miyako-asaori, in which hemp is used both for the warp and weft. Other Things to Do on Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Besides the beaches and scuba diving, there are a variety of other things you can do on Miyako Island. It's recommended that you stay for at least two days to see everything the island has to offer. Here are a few places we recommend checking out when visiting the island. Miyako Shrine Miyako Shrine, built in 1590, is the southernmost shrine in Japan (as a shrine under the comprehensive administration of the Jinja Honcho or Association of Shinto Shrines). The shrine has a unique architecture and color that can't be found in other shrines in Japan, and is great for taking photos and exploring the history and culture of Miyako Island. Hours: Open 24 hours Admission Fee: Free Seasah Story Shisa are mythical lion-dogs found in Okinawan mythology. Seasah Story is a shop that specializes in shisa statues. There are all sorts of unique shisa that can be seen and purchased inside the store. It's a great place to go for souvenirs! Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Taragawa Brewery Taragawa Brewery has been brewing awamori, a strong alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa, for more than 70 years. The brewery also has a unique method for storing awamori in a 60-meter-longcave located 5 meters underground. You can take a tour of the brewery and even purchase your own awamori at the end. Hours (Tours): 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm. Each tour is 45 minutes to an hour long. Admission Fee: Free How to Get To Miyako Island (Miyakojima) Despite being technically a part of Okinawa, Miyako Island is located quite a ways south of Okinawa. Because of this, the only way to get to the island is via plane. From Tokyo, you can take a 3-hour flight from either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. From Naha, Okinawa, you can take a 50-minute flight to directly to Miyako Airport. From Osaka, it's a 2 hour and 15 minute flight from Kansai International Airport. Summary of Miyako Island, a Place Dotted With Popular Scuba Diving Spots The maze of caves and the underwater world with blue light pouring in from the surface, makes diving on Miyakojima a one-of-a-kind experience. The fantastic caves will make you feel like an explorer as you encounter all sorts of fascinating marine life. We hope that watching the video and reading this article has you interested in a trip to Miyakojima! 【Trip Advisor】Miyako Island (Miyakojima) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: A Popular in Sightseeing Spot in Japan Produced by "Sanpostyle", "Okinawa Sightseeing - Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Digest Almost Route（沖縄観光　沖縄美ら海水族館　ほぼ順路をダイジェストで）" is a video that introduces the charm of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, a popular tourist location in Okinawa, Japan. The aquarium is introduced in tandem with the video, so if you watch the video you'll definitely want to visit it for real! This article introduces the attractions and highlights of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium; a recommended sightseeing spot in Okinawa. Please enjoy it! What Is Churaumi Aquarium? Photo：Coral reef The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, popular among visitors to Okinawa, is located in Ocean Expo Park in Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture, and opened in 1979. It was the largest aquarium in the world until 2005. The total number of exhibition water tanks is 77. It was the world's first successful whale shark breeding location as well. The mysterious fish and other creatures of Okinawa are displayed in the world's largest aquarium, attracting many tourists. They breed about 520 species and 10,500 animals. You can enjoy the sea of Okinawa as much as you want. Enjoy the Kuroshio Sea, the world's largest aquarium where you can observe Nanyo Manta, and the Coral Sea, where you can see coral breeding exhibits. At the coral sea, you can see 800 groups of coral (0:35). During the sightseeing season, it might be crowded, but it is relatively empty during the evening. On-site facilities include a restaurant with an ocean view, a cafe where you can relax while watching the large aquarium, and a shop where you can purchase souvenirs from Okinawa. It has English-speaking staff, making it a popular facility for foreigners. The Charm of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Photo：Churaumi Aquarium What attracts people to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is that you can see various Okinawan creatures in a massive aquarium. You can see great white sharks and manta rays in the main aquarium of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which can be seen from 2:12 in the video. "Journey to the Deep Sea," which can be viewed from 3:44 in the video, reproduces the mysterious deep sea of Okinawa and allows you to observe about 70 species of deep-sea creatures. At the entrance of the aquarium there is a great white shark monument, welcoming tourists. Behind that, there is the Uminchu Gate, and the emerald green sea seen from this space is a special beauty. In addition, there are the "Inou Creatures" (Video 0:23-), "Sea of Tropical Fish" (Video 0:55-), "Journey to Coral Reefs (Video 1:27-), "Waterside Creatures," "Beauty Sea Theater," "Dr. Shark Room" (Video 2:51-), "Water Viewing: Kuroshio Exploration" (Video 3:13-), "Jimbe Manta Corner," "Aqua Room," "Deep Sea Exploration Room" (Video 3:44 -), "Small creatures in the deep sea," "Planetarium in the sea," "Aqua Lab," "general rest area," "coral room," "event hall," "deep sea map," and so on. The in-house facilities are full of charm. You can enjoy lunch at the restaurant "Inoh" or at the "Ocean Blue" cafe. Information on Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Photo：Churaumi Aquarium Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ticket prices are 1,880 yen (~$17.50 USD) 8:30 to 16:00 for adults, elementary and middle schoolers 1,250 yen, and 620 yen for children. After 16:00, it is 1,310 yen for adults, 870 yen for middle-aged people, and 430 yen for children (as of November 2019). Out-of-area sales tickets that can be purchased at a discount from the above general rates can be purchased at Umi churara Naha Airport Store or at a convenience store in Okinawa Prefecture. If you are visiting with more than 20 people, make a reservation and a special group rate will be applied. The average time spent at the aquarium is 1.5 to 2 hours. Access from Naha Airport is about 2 hours by car on the expressway and about 3 hours by express bus. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has a nearby parking lot called North Gate Parking Lot. The official website also contains information on congestion and events. In addition, there are various hotels around the aquarium. Stay at a hotel that offers a variety of courses and relax yourself. Summary of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is quite popular for sightseeing in Okinawa. Refresh your mind and feel the power and greatness of life in Japan's leading aquarium! Make sure to watch the video to see the power of one of the world's largest aquariums and the appearance of beautiful marine life! ◆ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ◆ 【Address】424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0206 【Access】From Naha Airport, about 2 hours by car (using expressway), about 3 hours by bus (using express bus) 【Entrance fee】8:30-16:00 (regular fee) Adult 1,800 yen / child 1,250 yen, 16:00- adult 1,310 yen / child 870 yen (* as of November 2019) 【Hours】Normal period (October-February) 8:30-18:30, Summer period (March-September) 8:30-20:00 【Closures】First Wednesday of December and the following day (Thursday) 【Parking】Available (9 locations) Free 【Telephone No】0980-48-3748 【Official Website】Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium-Take the Churaumi of Okinawa to the next generation. https://churaumi.okinawa/en/ 【Tripadvisor】 Reviews of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120808-d1151352-Reviews-Okinawa_Churaumi_Aquarium-Motobu_cho_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html