2007 Volume 33 Pages 417-428
Yashikirin (house enclosure with trees) has been an important part of traditional residential space in rural villages of Okinawa but is disappearing rapidly. This study analyses the characteristics and changes of yashikirin in the middle and northern part of Okinawa Island. First, a case study is conducted based on a field survey in Bise, Motobu, where an intact yashikirin with Fukugi trees are still preserved today. Second, using aerial photographs taken in 1945, 1972-74 and 2003 as well as interview of residents, the changes of yashikirin and their causes are analyzed for 90 villages in the area.
