Kazuyoshi Takami, Japanese Pearl Farmer living on Friday Island

Kazuyoshi Takami came to Friday Island 49 years ago from Kumamoto prefecture in Japan and has been living there ever since. Fridays island is an almost uninhibited island with currently less than 20 people residing there. Mr.Takami gets electricity using generators and water from a well and water tanks.

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

After his high school graduation, Mr. Takami applied to a pearl farming company on Friday Island after he saw a job advertisement.

During the interview, Mr. Takami speaks about the life on the island, what brought him there, and what fascinates him living in such a remote place.

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

Although it might seem like there are no seasons here, at different times of the year, flowers change colours and the ocean goes through various stages. Those things really fascinate me.

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

“When I arrived here, there were about 10 Japanese men working,” recollects Mr. Takami.  “With the help and support of people like them, I have made it this far.”

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

Source: Kazuyoshi Takami

Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm

You can listen to our past stories from our podcast

And don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook page!