Hidden Wonders | How Izushima's New Bridge is Changing the Fishing Island's Future

In the town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture lies an island called Izushima. In December 2024, a 364-meter (1194-foot) bridge was completed, connecting Izushima to the mainland, fulfilling the islanders' long-held dream.

The island's coastal areas were devastated by the tsunami following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The village and fishing port were destroyed, and 25 lives were lost. The residents were evacuated by helicopter the following day.

The idea of building a bridge had been anticipated for nearly 50 years. Although progress was slow, the project gained momentum after the 2011 disaster.

*Fisherman Takahiro Takeyama shipping oysters from the port of Izushima. With the opening of the bridge, shipment workers can now come to the island. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

A 'Lifesaver'

Now that the bridge is open, life on Izushima island has dramatically changed. Previously, the only connection to the mainland was a ferry service that made three round trips a day. With the bridge, islanders can travel to town without worrying about time. Visiting children and grandchildren has become much easier.

The bridge has also brought significant benefits to the island's primary industry: fishing. Farmed silver salmon and scallops, which were once transported by boat to a fishing port on the opposite shore, can now be transported by land. The island's fishermen say this has drastically reduced fuel costs.

*A ferry connecting the central area of Onagawa and the port of Izushima was discontinued on March 30 after the opening of the bridge. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

Takahiro Takeyama, a 52-year-old oyster farmer, shares, "It's much easier physically. I think the older fishermen will find it easier to continue as well."

Before the bridge was built, if someone fell seriously ill on the isolated island, a boat had to be dispatched even in rough seas.

Takeyama reflects, "When I heard the siren of an ambulance coming to the island, I realized that the bridge was truly a lifesaver."

*The bridge seen from Izushima. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

Population Decline

However, the island's population has decreased significantly, from 500 before the earthquake to just 90 today.

"If the bridge had been completed earlier, the population wouldn't have decreased so quickly," says Kikue Suda, 76, the head of the town's Terama district.

The local elementary and junior high schools have closed, and many young people have moved off the island. Fishermen who work on the island no longer need to live there.

*Izushima Bridge photographed from a helicopter. (©Sankei by Masamichi Kirihara)*

New Opportunities

"Still, the dream grows. I want to build a path where people can enjoy the island's nature and attract visitors," Suda says. Some young people who left the island have returned to start new ventures, such as opening a sauna.

It has been fourteen years since the earthquake. The island's name, Izushima, is said to mean "the island where the sun rises."

And indeed, the sun is rising again, bringing new opportunities to the islanders.