History of Mikurajima Island

The ruins of pit-houses from the Jomon period (14,000-300 BCE) were found near the cliffs of Mikurashima Island. The earthenware found in the area, which is called the “Zo ruins,” dates back to the early Jomon period. Based on this, researchers concluded that the people who lived on Mikurashima Island at the time perished in a volcanic eruption at the end of the early Jomon period. Like the other Izu Islands, Mikurashima Island served as a penal colony during the Edo period (1603-1868). Keijiro Kondo, a violent criminal, was exiled to Mikurashima Island. It is said that, once he arrived on the island, he read a document stating why he was sentenced to exile to the local people, who could not read. Instead of reading, “Everyone ought to be watchful of this man,” as written, he read, “Everyone ought to cherish this man.” He thereby successfully deceived the local people and received special treatment.

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