Brother Island (Ani-jima)

Brother Island, known as Ani-jima in Japanese, forms part of the Chichijima Group within the Bonin Islands (Ogasawara Islands), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 1,000 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. The island belongs to a volcanic archipelago of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands that has never been connected to a continent, earning the region the nickname "The Galápagos of the Orient."

The Ogasawara Islands were discovered in 1593 by Ogasawara Sadayori, who claimed them for the Tokugawa Shogunate, though they remained largely uninhabited until 1830. During World War II, the Bonin Islands became the site of fierce battles, and many of the smaller islands, including Ani-jima, played strategic roles in Pacific military operations.

The island holds particular significance for its pristine marine ecosystem and endemic species that have evolved in isolation over millions of years. Because the Ogasawara Islands have never been connected to a continent, many of their animals and plants have undergone unique evolutionary processes, contributing to their designation as a natural World Heritage Site in 2011. The surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life, including areas where giant squid have been photographed and filmed in their natural habitat.

Visitors to the Ogasawara region must travel via the Ogasawara Maru, a weekly ferry service that departs from Tokyo's Takeshiba Pier. The islands have no airports and can only be reached by ship, with the liner departing almost once weekly. The journey takes approximately 25 hours to reach the inhabited islands of Chichijima and Hahajima, from where organized tours to permitted areas may be arranged. All visits require advance planning and adherence to strict environmental guidelines established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Ministry of the Environment.

Access to Brother Island is severely restricted and the island is generally off-limits to tourists to protect its fragile ecosystem. Camping and off-trail hiking are strictly prohibited throughout the islands, and environmental protection measures are strictly enforced. Access to sensitive areas is limited to 100 visitors at a time, and then only with a certified local guide.