Mitsuaki Iwago Captures Yakushima: Hope for the Conservation of One of Japan’s Natural World Heritage Sites

Renowned Japanese nature photographer Mitsuaki Iwago, whose photographs have graced the cover of National Geographic, has taken a pilgrimage to document Yakushima, a small island off of Japan’s southernmost coast, which is also one of its natural world heritage sites. The small island is world-renowned as the home of a rare population of Jōmon Sugi (Jomor Cedar Trees), whose age ranges between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. 

Yet, the longevity of the island suffers from climate change, which has brought rising temperatures and heavy rainfall. This threatens not only the Jōmon Sugi but also the island’s native macaques and deer. Hence, through his project to capture the island, which he has titled The Peninsula and the Island (世界自然遺産 - 知床と屋久島), Iwago hopes that he can gain the public’s attention and raise their awareness of the island. All so that more people would understand the importance of the not-so-deserted island and the perils that lay ahead for the island should these conditions persist. This is why The Peninsula and the Island (世界自然遺産 - 知床と屋久島) by Mitsuaki Iwago is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.

Aside from climate change as the indirect impact of human activity, Yakushima is also suffering from on-the-ground human activities. Zero Hour Climate, an organization dedicated to sharing knowledge about the climate crisis, also notes that the island has fallen victim to overtourism. They have noted that as tourists flock to the island, overcapacity has led to habitat changes in its local animals. Iwago’s photographs also document this, showing that the island’s macaques and deer are frequently interacting, sometimes even ending in altercations.

Another issue that Iwago’s photographs have noted is soil erosion on the island, which has been associated with a boom in deer population. This is because native deer, known as the Yaku sika deer, are overgrazing the soil, causing it to bald and then be washed away by climate change-induced heavy rainfall. This process affects the soil quality, affecting plant growth and causing disruption in the natural flow of water. The island is slowly washing away into the ocean.

Mitsuaki Iwago's project, The Peninsula and the Island (世界自然遺産 - 知床と屋久島), brings critical attention to the conservation of Yakushima, one of Japan’s natural world heritage sites. Through his evocative photographs, Iwago documents the island's ancient Jōmon Sugi trees, endangered wildlife, and the profound impacts of climate change and overtourism. His work underscores the urgent need for public awareness and action to preserve Yakushima's fragile ecosystem. Iwago's project serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and nature, advocating for sustainable practices to ensure the island's longevity.

Find out more about The Peninsula and the Island「世界自然遺産 - 知床と屋久島 by Mitsuaki Iwago and their other pieces on Iwago’s Instagram @mitsuakiiwago or his website www.iwago.jp.