1.
remote island; outlying island
An island that is geographically separated from the mainland and typically difficult to access. In Japan, refers to the many smaller islands outside the four main islands.
離島で暮らしている。
I live on a remote island.
離島へのアクセスはフェリーのみだ。
The only way to access the remote island is by ferry.
日本には数百の離島があり、それぞれに独自の文化や自然が残っている。
Japan has hundreds of remote islands, each with its own unique culture and nature.
USAGE:
離島 is used in official, travel, and geographical contexts. Japan has over 400 inhabited remote islands (有人離島), many of which face challenges like depopulation and limited infrastructure. The government has specific policies for 離島振興 (remote island development).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 離島振興 (remote island development/promotion)
- 離島に住む (to live on a remote island)
- 離島への交通 (transportation to remote islands)
- 有人離島 (inhabited remote island)
- 無人離島 (uninhabited remote island)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 離島: remote/outlying island (official, geographical term)
- 孤島: isolated island (literary; emphasizes complete isolation)
- 島: island (general term)