Shimo

Shimo is one of the two main islands that make up the Tsushima archipelago, located in the Korea Strait between Japan and Korea. This archipelago is part of Nagasaki Prefecture and divides the strait into the Tsushima Strait to the west and the Korea Strait to the east. Shimo island is larger than the other main island, Kami, with an area of 174 square miles (450 square km). The islands are heavily forested, with lumbering being a significant economic activity. Limited agriculture produces shiitake mushrooms, millet, soybeans, and buckwheat. Historically, Tsushima served as a strategic link between Japan and Korea, experiencing raids and playing a role in diplomatic relations. The islands were also the site of a major naval battle in 1905.1