Tokunoshima Town
Explore Tokunoshima Town
Tokunoshima: The Island
Where Yokozuna Are Born
Community Bonds, Bullfighting Culture, and the Spirit That Shapes Champions
Surrounded by deep forests and coral seas, Tokunoshima is known for the teaching of “Kwadutakara”—the belief that children are true treasure.
Protected by strong communal ties and shaped by the island’s bullfighting culture, which instills respect for strength and skill, the unyielding Inokawa Spirit gave rise to the 46th Yokozuna, Asashio Tarō.
With one of Japan’s highest birth rates, Tokunoshima embraces the idea that every child is cherished by the entire community. This warm sense of unity, together with the bullfighting tradition that cultivates respect for power and technique, formed the foundation that produced the 46th Yokozuna, Asashio Tarō.
Carrying the hopes and expectations of the island’s people, his story remains a vivid source of pride passed down through generations.
The Island of Grit and Communal Strength
A Yokozuna Shaped by an Island’s Enduring Spirit
In the Inokawa community, which produced a Yokozuna, an enduring spirit known as the Inokawa Spirit has been passed down through generations.
Defined by perseverance and an unwavering refusal to give in to adversity, this mindset is a source of pride for the island and has shaped many wrestlers, including Asashio Tarō.
The island’s 500‑year tradition of bull sumo, Tōgyū, has also nurtured a deep respect for strength and skill. This cultural foundation became the soil from which Yokozuna Asashio Tarō emerged.
The powerful passion of the bullfighting tradition and the gentle natural beauty of Tokunoshima, a World Natural Heritage site, together reveal the island’s unique and compelling character.
ACCESS
Kagoshima Prefecture / Tokunoshima
Approx. 3h 30min+ total
Flightapprox. 1h 15min
Flightapprox. 50min
The Sacred Home of a Hero Loved by His Island
The Asashio Tarō Memorial Hall
Feel the Spirit of the Yokozuna’s Birthplace
Experience the spirit that lives on in Inokaw, the birthplace of the 46th Yokozuna, Asashio Tarō. Born here in 1929, Asashio Tarō was recognized by the head of the Takasago stable as a once‑in‑a‑century talent, blessed with natural size and exceptional athletic ability. His five top‑division championships and four Outstanding Performance Prizes are remembered through ceremonial aprons and archival materials displayed in the hall.
The source of his strength lies in the island’s 500‑year tradition of bull sumo, Tōgyū, which instills deep respect for power and technique, and in the enduring Inokawa Spirit—a mindset defined by perseverance and an unwavering refusal to give in. After retirement, Asashio Tarō went on to train numerous notable wrestlers, including Konishiki. Standing on this hill overlooking Inokawa‑dake, you can feel the wind of the homeland that the Yokozuna cherished.
Japan’s First Underwater “Sculpture of Life”
Mystical Underwater Sculpture
Dive into the Ocean Gaia Underwater Sculpture
In the waters of Tokunoshima, known as the “Island of Fertility,” a world‑renowned artist has created Japan’s first underwater sculpture, Ocean Gaia. Shaped as a pregnant woman and measuring 5.5 meters across with a weight of over 40 tons, the artwork symbolizes the nurturing power of the mother ocean.
Over time, the sculpture becomes a “living artwork,” gradually transforming as coral and seaweed grow across its surface and fish make it their home. After exploring the mystical underwater world through diving, you can enjoy whale watching in uncrowded seas where you may have humpback whales all to yourself. It is a rare moment of luxury—leaving everyday life behind and immersing yourself in the overwhelming beauty and tranquility of the ocean.
Walking with Island Locals: Warm Village Life and Living Traditions
Discover Everyday Life on the Island
Traditions Alive in the Villages: A Deep Cultural Journey
Across Tokunoshima, each village preserves its own distinctive traditions. In the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the Nenke water‑splashing ritual is held to pray for good health. Once practiced throughout the island, it continues today in the Kametoku community, where visitors can also take part in this lively summer custom. It is a moment where you encounter the heartfelt passion and mutual support that define island life.
For a deeper island experience, the village tours offered by Kanami Ama‑chan Club are highly recommended. Walk with local guides through the famous Kanamizaki Sotetsu Tunnel and the peaceful village paths, then explore forests and beaches where sea turtles come ashore to nest. As you listen to island residents and learn about their history and everyday wisdom, you’ll discover a quiet warmth rooted in village life—distinct from the powerful spirit of sumo, yet equally profound.
SUMO EXPERIENCES
TOURISM GUIDE
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A Journey Through the Island of Fertility That Fostered a Yokozuna
Tokunoshima, the passionate island that fostered Yokozuna Asashio Tarō and is home to breathtaking World Natural Heritage landscapes, invites you on a special three‑day, two‑night journey. This itinerary introduces the island’s deep cultural roots, dramatic natural scenery, and the quiet warmth woven into everyday island life.