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Izu Islands


The Izu Islands (伊豆諸島) are a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from the Izu Peninsula of Honshu, Japan. Administratively, they form part of Tokyo. The largest is Oshima (or Izu Oshima). Others include Toshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, and Hachijojima. These islands are called "Izu Seven Islands".

All islands are specified for a Fuji Hakone Izu national park .

During the Edo period, Miyakejima and Hachijojima (and perhaps others) were places to which Edo criminals were exiled.

Volcanic activity (including the release of harmful gases) on the island forced the evacuation of the entire population of Miyakejima in 2000. On February 1, 2005, the government of Tokyo allowed the residents to return permanently to the island but required them to carry gas masks in case of harmful volcanic emissions.

Main islands

North to south. -shima, -jima mean island.

07-10-2008 09:35:13
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