On October 6th 2021, sustainable tourism agency Green Destinations announced their Top 100 Sustainability Stories designed to inspire the future of tourism leadership. The listing included two of Kagoshima Prefecture’s islands, Amami Oshima and Yoron, and  10 other destinations across Japan.

Amami Oshima Island – Environmental cultural type National Park (Singing Island)
Amami Oshima’s story focused on the island’s environmental and cultural significance for the world and was praised for its eco-guide system, collaboration with local residents and minimal impact on wildlife.

Yoron island – The more people come to the island, the more beautiful it becomes.
Yoron’s theme was “the more people come to the island, the more beautiful it becomes.” Its story showcased local community cleaning and coral conservation programs and was recognised for the ease in which visitors can contribute to helping the environment.