Located about ten minutes by boat from Suo-Oshima in Yamaguchi Prefecture, often dubbed the “Hawaii of Setouchi,” Kasasa Island spans only about four kilometers in circumference. Known among locals for its excellent fishing spots, the island currently has only three full-time residents.
One of them, who moved to the island about 25 years ago, leads a self-sufficient lifestyle by growing seasonal fruits and vegetables like watermelon, blueberries, and tomatoes, taking advantage of the warm climate. He described the island as “quiet, with no noise or voices — truly a perfect place. I came here expecting to stay until I die.”
But even this tranquil haven is experiencing unexpected changes. Residents say that land on the island has recently been purchased and is now being developed by Chinese individuals. “They’re leveling mountains to make housing plots,” said one resident.
According to locals, the presence of foreigners began to increase around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. One resident recalled, “Not long ago, someone who looked like a wealthy man came in a fancy car to have a look.”
To investigate these claims, the news crew chartered a boat and headed toward the area reportedly under development. Along the way, they found a discarded plastic bottle with Chinese writing — packaging from a popular beverage brand sold in China — washed up on the beach.
On the opposite side of the island, where there were originally no homes or human presence, signs of land development became visible. Heavy machinery and what appeared to be electrical lines were seen extending into the area.
Recent aerial photos confirm that trees have been cleared in parts of the island. A search of the property registry revealed that two plots of land are now owned by individuals with addresses in Shanghai, China.
As of now, no buildings were visible from the boat, but the land appears to be under preparation for construction.
“We haven’t been directly harmed by anything, but of course we’re concerned,” said one resident. “If this land all ends up owned by Chinese people, we Japanese will become the minority here.”
Online interest from China is also apparent. On Chinese social media, recent posts about Kasasa Island include comments such as “It’s so cheap. How can I buy it?” and “I really want it.” One user even encouraged a potential buyer to “plant the Chinese flag after you buy it.”
Another individual, who holds residency on the island and occasionally visits to fish, expressed mixed feelings: “There are no Japanese here anymore, but it can’t be helped. It’s a transaction between buyer and seller. In reality, the U.S. military base in Iwakuni is very close to here.”
Given the proximity of Kasasa Island to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Kure base and the U.S. military’s Iwakuni base, some locals have voiced concerns about national security.
As foreign interest intensifies, so too does local anxiety over the fate of this once-sleepy island. When approached for comment, the real estate agent reportedly involved in selling the land to Chinese buyers said by phone, “Due to recent harassment and threats, we are currently unable to operate and cannot respond to interviews.”
