YAMAGUCHI, Jul 29 (News On Japan) –
A small island within the Seto Inland Sea, residence to only seven registered residents, is seeing fast modifications attributable to land acquisitions linked to Chinese traders—elevating alarm among the many area people.
Located about ten minutes by boat from Suo-Oshima in Yamaguchi Prefecture, usually dubbed the “Hawaii of Setouchi,” Kasasa Island spans solely about 4 kilometers in circumference. Known amongst locals for its wonderful fishing spots, the island at the moment has solely three full-time residents.
One of them, who moved to the island about 25 years in the past, leads a self-sufficient life-style by rising seasonal fruit and veggies like watermelon, blueberries, and tomatoes, benefiting from the nice and cozy local weather. 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 surprising modifications. Residents say that land on the island has just lately been bought and is now being developed by Chinese people. “They’re leveling mountains to make housing plots,” stated one resident.
According to locals, the presence of foreigners started to extend across 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 examine these claims, the news crew chartered a ship and headed towards the realm reportedly beneath growth. Along the best way, they discovered a discarded plastic bottle with Chinese writing—packaging from a preferred beverage model offered in China—washed up on the seaside.
On the alternative facet of the island, the place there have been initially no houses or human presence, indicators of land growth grew to become seen. Heavy equipment and what gave the impression to be electrical traces have been seen extending into the realm.
Recent aerial photographs affirm that bushes have been cleared in components of the island. A search of the property registry revealed that two plots of land at the moment are owned by people with addresses in Shanghai, China.
As of now, no buildings have been seen from the boat, however the land seems to be beneath preparation for building.
“We haven’t been directly harmed by anything, but of course we’re concerned,” stated one resident. “If this land all ends up owned by Chinese people, we Japanese will become the minority here.”
Online curiosity from China can be obvious. On Chinese social media, latest posts about Kasasa Island embrace feedback akin to “It’s so cheap. How can I buy it?” and “I really want it.” One person even inspired a possible purchaser to “plant the Chinese flag after you buy it.”
Another particular person, who holds residency on the island and infrequently visits to fish, expressed combined emotions: “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. navy’s Iwakuni base, some locals have voiced considerations about nationwide safety.
As international curiosity intensifies, so too does native anxiousness over the destiny of this once-sleepy island. When approached for remark, the actual property agent reportedly concerned in promoting the land to Chinese patrons stated by cellphone, “Due to recent harassment and threats, we are currently unable to operate and cannot respond to interviews.”
Source: YOMIURI