Introduction to Ganryujima Island

Ganryujima Island, which has an area of 10.4 hectares, is known throughout Japan but when it comes to its location most people don't known.
From 1973 it became a deserted island with only occasional visits from fishermen. Although in the vicinity there are port facilities and factories, the scenic Ganryujima Island is covered in greenery and is a precious natural space within the Kanmon Straits.

Origins of its name

Ganryujima Island used to be called "Funajima Island" because of its shape which was like a boat floating on the sea.
In 1612, Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki undertook a duel and even though in real estate the Island is still known as "Funajima Island", in line with the practice of the defeated Kojiro, the island became known as Ganryujima Island.

Ganryujima Island is a duel island

Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki's duel is said to have taken place on the 13th of April, 1612.
On the morning of the duel, Musashi was later leaving Shimonoseki's lighter (a goods transport ship) of Tarozaemon Kobayashi than promised. Kojiro arrived at the agreed time and his proteges watched with bated breath for his victory from the opposite shore of Hikoshima Island.
(This place is still remembered as reflected in the name "Deshimatsu-cho" which means the town where proteges waited.)
Under the watchful eyes of an official, the duel took place with Masashi victorious and Kojiro being defeated.
Although there are many historical items relating to the duel, there is no written record from the time that the duel took place, so not all details are known.

Ganryujima Island after the duel

At the time of the duel the Island was only one sixth of its current size.
Now, you can get close to the floating pier on Tourist boats round trip, see the beach that encourages a random association with the duel, see the statues of Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki, take one of the Kanmon Straits walking trails and use the facilities such as the rest stops.
Ships of all sizes travel the Kanmon Straits, so won't you come and experience listening to the sound of the wind in the pines and the sea breeze, while enjoying the magnificent scenic views on offer.

Ganryujima Island's transition

Reclamation work conducted over a 65-year period from 1917
led to the current flat 10.4 hectares artificial island that is Ganryujima Island now.

According to legend, around when the ancient Kanmon Straits used to be connected by caves, Ganryujima Island was known as "Anato" before suddenly one day when through a freak act of nature the gate collapsed and with the erosion of the rocks, an island was formed, which over time was further eroded by the wild currents flowing around it until it became known as the ship shaped island. It is said that from the Shimonoseki side it became known as Funajima and from the Kokura side as Mukai Island.
In 1886, there was a cholera plague in Shimonoseki and a temporary infirmary was established to isolate those affected. In 1894 a quarantine station was completed on Enoura after which the patients were moved there.
In 1903, the Island came under the ownership of Kobe' s Suzuki Shoten and work on the Funajima Island channel commenced and was completed in 1910.
As a result of the brisk business in the marine transportation sector arising from World War I, our ship building yard went on an expansion exercise and in 1915 started reclamation work on the area of sea between Funajima Island which by this time had become like a sandbar, and the Factory at Enoura and plans were drawn up for the construction of a pier.
In 1917, the first stage of the work commenced. However, due to the end of World War I the world entered into a recession and with the raising costs of labor and materials the work was discontinued.
In 1926, the first stage of work was completed and the artificial island, Ganryujima Island was completed.
The pier that was completed in 1926 was destroyed within 10 years of its completion by the tidal current.
Outbreak of World War II. In 1940
In 1944, Ganryujima Island comes under the control of the military, military personnel are stationed on the island and a machine gun mount is built.
In 1945, World War II ends.
Postwar, families moving to the island increased.
The number of households on the island reaches thirty and the Island's population sets becomes its largest yet.
From 1963 the work to reclamation work on the channel that divided the Island commenced.
In 1973, the Island's last resident leaves and the Island is once again a deserted island.
In 1980, a pier was built and the current Ganryujima Island with an area of 10.4 hectares was completed, 65 years after the first reclamation work.

A picture of the Hagi domain lord inspecting the Island with a state boat in order to build a gun battery in Shimonoseki during the Ansei era. The island on the bottom left is Ganryujima Island and on the top right is AHikoshima Island Deshimatsu.

Ganryujima Island around 1912. At the time it was covered in dense pines.

Around 1953. Below is Ganryujima Island. Above is Hikoshima Island.

Our works and Ganryujima Island around 1998

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