Ogasawara (小笠原村) is a village in Ogasawara Subprefecture, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan, that governs the Bonin Islands, Volcano Islands, and three remote islands (Nishinoshima, Minamitorishima and Okinotorishima).

History

In 1940, five municipalities were created in the islands, which had been unincorporated before, two on Chichijima, two on Hahajima, and one on Iwojima. Both villages of Kita Iwo Jima became part of the newly created Iwojima municipality in 1940: Following World War II, the islands were administered by the United States. The islands were returned to Japanese control in 1968 and organized as Ogasawara Village.

Airport plan

In August 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held a council about a potential airport. It would be operational in 10 years at the earliest. The mayor of Ogasawara Village, Kazuo Morishita said "The airport is the village's long-cherished wish." Governor Koike also said at a regular press conference that day, "(The new model plan) is an effective measure to secure the air routes necessary to protect the lives of the islanders."

Geography

The municipality consists of the following groups and single isolated islands: The southernmost (uninhabited) group is known as the Volcano Islands. 700 km further south is Okinotorishima, and 1,900 km further east is Minamitorishima. The population of the municipality resides on Chichi-jima (pop. about 2300) and Haha-jima (pop. about 500). The administration and village hall is located in the village of Omura on Chichi-jima. In addition, there is an air base with 400 soldiers on Iwojima of the Volcano Islands.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Ogasawara has remained relatively steady in recent decades.

Education

Ogasawara Village operates the islands' public elementary and junior high schools. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates Ogasawara High School on Chichi-jima.