Beautiful, isolated, remote Iriomote. If Okinawa is the poorest prefecture in Japan, then surely the far-flung islands are the most disadvantaged parts. About 2000 people live scattered along a 48 kilometre road that hugs half of the coast of Iriomote, and the remaining 80 percent of the island is untouched tropical forest and mangrove wetlands. Tourism, breeding beef cattle to be raised in other prefectures, pineapples and sugar cane are the main sources of income. Nearby Taketomi, a tiny “traditional village” of 300 people has a thriving day trip industry. A ride through the quaint streets on a water buffalo cart, a taste of Okinawan soba noodles and the sound of sanshin music make for a perfect day. There are no convenience stores, fast food outlets or beach clean ups, but there is a research centre
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