In June of this year the smaller islands on Ogasawara Islands (小笠島) were designated as World Heritage Sites. Some of the islands have interesting names. In particular, some of the islands are named after family member. For example, there is Chichi Jima (父島), which means ‘Dad Island’. It is the largest of the Ogasawara Islands, hence its name.

There’s also the Haha Jima (母島), which means ‘Mom Island’. It is the second largest island and is famous for its variety of snail species.

Ani Jima (兄島) means ‘Elder Brother Island’. It was formerly called Buckland Island after William Buckland, who was a British palaeontologist.

Ane Jima (姉島) means ‘Elder Sister Island’. The Green Turtle is an endangered species on this island because turtles are consumed for its protein. Efforts are being made to preserve the turtle by raising them in special facitilies.

Imōto Jima (妹島) means ‘Younger Sister Island’. The people of this island share a unique ancestry of European, American and Japanese descent.

Otōto Jima (弟島) means ‘Younger Brother Island’. The island is famous for its various bird species.

Mei Jima (姪島) means ‘Niece Island’. It is a small island with a few goat-raising farms.

Mago Jima (孫島) means ‘Grandson Island’. It is the smallest of the family islands, but it is also the most ecologically pristine island because there are few people to pollute it.