Oshima - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

'OSHIMA, a group of three small islands belonging to Japan, lying southwards of Kiushiu, in 30° 50 N. and 130° E. Their names, from west to east, are Kuroshima, Iwo-shima and Takashima. Kuro-shima rises to a height of 2475 ft., and Iwo-shima has an active volcano 2480 ft. high. These islands are not to be confounded with Oshima, the most northerly island of the Izu-noshichito, or with the northern group of the Luchu Islands. There are several other islands of the same name in Japan, Oshima signifying "big island." One of the best known lies off the Kii promontory, and has been the scene of many maritime disasters.