THE ISLANDERS

SHODO SHIMA, JAPAN. Situated amongst the crop of islands in the Inland Sea of Japan, Shodoshima is also a centre of production for soy sauce, which it exports across the world. The island’s remoteness made it difficult for young men to meet young women so the tradition persists that when the cherry trees are in bloom the town hall organises a large dance party which has gained the reputation of encouraging couples to eventually marry.