Barakan Discovers — Season 1, Episode 8: AMAMI OSHIMA: Isson's Treasure Island

Episode synopsis

Tanaka Isson, an artist known as Japan's "Gauguin," moved to the subtropical island of Amami Oshima at the age of 50 after years of struggle. He then spent highly productive years there painting its striking flora and fauna until his death at the age of 69. In order to follow in Isson's footsteps, Peter Barakan travels to Amami Oshima, where, in addition to many unusual biological treasures, he discovers how the distinctive cultural traditions of Amami Oshima were shaped by a history of hardship.

About Barakan Discovers

Peter Barakan is a broadcaster and a 45-year resident of Japan. In this series, he discovers how Japan is changing.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Tokyo
• E2TOHOKU
• E3The Tokyo of 2020
• E4Ainu: A New Generation
• E5JOMON: A Sustainable Civilization
• E6OKINAWA: Eclectic and Original
• E7THE SAMURAI OF THE SEA
• E9IZUMO: Glimpses of the Unseen
• E10KUMANO: Spirit of the Forest
• E11YONEZAWA: Yozan's Utopian Vision
• E12TOSA: Ultimate Adventurer John Mung
• E13HAGI: Yoshida Shoin's Immortal Words