Ganryū-jima

View of Ganryū-jima island

Ganryū-jima (巌流島, formerly Funa-jima 船島[1]) is an island in Japan located between Honshū and Kyūshū, and accessible via ferry from Shimonoseki Harbor (下関港).

Name

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It is famous for the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojirō. The small island was named for its boat-like appearance, and later came to be called after the Ganryū kenjutsu school Kojirō had founded.

Features

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On the island are a few monuments as well as facilities for public gatherings such as an annual tug-of-war. Along the west coast is a walking path.

Industry

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The western half of the island is currently being used by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a storage facility for its ship manufacturing and drydocks in Shimonoseki across the harbor.[2][circular reference]

Sports hosting

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New Japan Pro-Wrestling held two matches on the island. On October 4, 1987, Antonio Inoki defeated Masa Saito. On December 18, 1991, Hiroshi Hase defeated Tiger Jeet Singh.

References

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  1. ^ "Ganryūjima - Present state of the island" (in Japanese). Shimonoseki city. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20.
  2. ^ ja:巌流島#cite ref-3

33°56′00″N 130°55′49″E / 33.93333°N 130.93028°E / 33.93333; 130.93028