Yakushima (04:30)

FREE PREVIEW

The northernmost island of Japan's Southwest Island chain features forested mountains. Macaques and sika deer share a habitat; young monkeys ride on their neighbors. Deer eat food dropped by foraging monkeys.

Living near Sakurajima (05:41)

Volcanic activity created the Southwest Islands. Japan's most active volcano has erupted for sixty years; 500,000 people live nearby. Children wear protective helmets and clean ash from their school. Visitors take sand baths on the beach.

Kuroshio Current (05:12)

Coral reefs thrive in the warm water. A bluestreak cleaner wrasse eats parasites from a batfish and a manta ray.

Kudaka Island (05:12)

Venomous sea snakes have few natural predators in coral reefs. Yoko and Setsuko hunt them in dry land caves at night. Then they smoke the serpents, a local delicacy.

Ogimi Longevity (02:12)

Many residents of an Okinawan village credit healthy lifestyles for long lifespans. Sumiko, 96, cycles and gardens. The Okinawan diet includes homegrown vegetables.

Mozuku Aquaculture (03:45)

Around Okinawa, farmers cultivate seaweed beds and use vacuum technology for harvesting.

Iriomote Island (05:20)

Geographical isolation encourages adaptation. The Ryukyu wild boar has shrunk to half the size of mainland boar species. A pregnant female sniffs out a green turtle nest for eggs.

Tarama Island (04:18)

Blueberry hermit crabs have settled on the remote island. Giant robber crabs can live to sixty years and measure a meter in diameter. A female navigates a village and risks drowning to deposit her eggs in the ocean.

Tropical Storms (06:54)

Summer typhoons batter the Southwest Islands. Human inhabitants have built fortified homes; macaques huddle together for safety. On Yonaguni, a caterpillar builds a storm-resistant cocoon and transforms into an Atlas moth. Learn about her mating behavior.

Yonaguni Underwater Pyramid (04:08)

In 1986, a diver discovered what appeared to be a sandstone monument. Some scientists believe it was formed by natural forces; others believe it was built by a lost civilization.

Credits: Wild Japan: Southwest Islands (00:30)

Credits: Wild Japan: Southwest Islands