Ep 6. Japan: Islands of Extremes

Japan: Islands of Extremes is the sixth episode of season 1 of the hit wildlife documentary series, Wildest: Islands. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the unique and diverse ecosystems of Japan's islands.

The episode starts in the Sea of Japan where we see the fascinating behaviour of Japanese spider crabs, one of the largest crustaceans in the world. These crabs can grow up to 3.5 meters in length and can weigh up to 19 kilograms. The episode showcases how they have adapted to their environment and how they survive in a habitat with strong currents and numerous predators.

Next, we are taken to the Izu Islands, a volcanic island chain that consists of nine islands approximately 100 kilometers south of Tokyo. The Izu Islands are famous for their unique fauna such as the Izu shrew, the Izu thrush, and the Izu robber fly. We see how these creatures survive in such harsh environments and how volcanic activity has played a significant role in shaping the islands' landscape.

The episode then moves on to the Ryukyu Islands, a chain of islands that stretches southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan with Okinawa being the largest. The Ryukyu Islands are well known for their stunning coral reefs and wide variety of marine life. We learn about the coral reef ecosystem and the struggles it is facing due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The show identifies steps that are being taken to protect the coral reef ecosystem and how locals are involved in conservation efforts.

The show also takes us to the Sado Island which is located in the Sea of Japan. Sado Island is famous for its unique plant and animal species, like the Sado macaque, which is a talented and intelligent monkey. The monkeys are known to use tools to obtain food and even wash their food in streams before eating it. The episode showcases how this species has adapted to its environment and how it fits into the island's ecosystem.

Lastly, we are taken to the Yaeyama Islands in the southwest of Okinawa. The Yaeyama Islands have a unique and diverse range of habitats, from coral reefs to mangrove forests, and are home to endangered species like the Iriomote cat. The show highlights the challenges that come with protecting this critically endangered species and how the local community is involved in conservation efforts.

Throughout the episode, the show highlights the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems and the challenges that come with it. They feature conservationists and members of local communities who are working to protect the environment and the wildlife that call it home. The show is not just informative but also visually stunning with breathtaking footage of the islands and their inhabitants.

Overall, Japan: Islands of Extremes is a captivating and informative episode of Wildest: Islands that takes viewers on a journey through the unique ecosystems of Japan's islands. It emphasizes the importance of conservation and reminds us of the beauty and diversity of life on our planet.