Taketomi Island - Monument of Headman's Tax

What Is the Head Tax Monument?

The poll tax was imposed on every individual in the Yaeyama Islands from the ancient Ryukyu period through the late Meiji era.Tax SystemThat is, what we would now call the system assigned to everyone between the ages of 15 and 50.TaxesApparently, men stored grain, while women stored textiles.

Because the tax system did not take individual ability into account, people with physical disabilities were required to pay the same amount of tax. This poll tax wasIt continued until Meiji 36That's what they say.

Directions to the Head Tax Monument

The Head Tax Monument is located about an 18-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from Taketomi Port (the port on Taketomi Island).

Head from Taketomi Port toward the village. After entering the village, follow the road for a while; at the dead end where the Nakasuji Well is located, turn left and then immediately right, and you’ll see the Head Tax Monument on your right.

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How to Play at the Head Tax Monument

When you visit the Yaeyama Islands, be sure to learn about the heavy tax system that once existed under the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The fact that there are monuments commemorating the 100th anniversary of the abolition of the poll tax on Taketomi Island, Ishigaki Island, and Yonaguni Island speaks to just how oppressive that tax system was.

If you're on Taketomi Island, be sure to check out the Centennial Monument Commemorating the Abolition of the Head Tax on Ishigaki Island while you're there!

Details of the Head Tax Monument

The Head Tax Monument is a stone monument erected on Taketomi Island in 2002 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the abolition of the head tax.

The poll tax was a per-capita tax levied in the Yaeyama region from 1637 to 1902, and the islanders suffered under this heavy tax burden.

In the Meiji era, a movement to abolish the poll tax emerged, and in Meiji 36, the country transitioned to a new tax system, and the poll tax was abolished.

There are other historic sites and monuments around Taketomi Island that you can visit as well. Please take a moment to reflect on the island’s history while remembering to be grateful to those who came before us.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Head Tax Monument

well

To get to Nakasuji Well from the Poll Tax Monument, turn left after passing the monument; it is located directly across from the T-intersection at the end of the road.

Because it provided such a large volume of water, it served as a vital lifeline for the villagers until the undersea water pipeline was laid.

Nbufuru Hill

To get to Nmbfulu Hill from the Poll Tax Monument, turn left after passing the monument, and you'll find it on your right.

Taketomi Island is a relatively flat island, but the hill known as Nbufuru is slightly elevated, and the observation deck built on top of it stands at an elevation of 20 meters—the highest point on the island.

Although entry is currently prohibited because the structure is at risk of collapsing, you can still view it from nearby, so feel free to stop by.

It is said that Nmbuhuru Hill, where this observation deck is located, was formed long ago when a cow kept by the village escaped in the middle of the night and used its horns to carve out the hill.

It was named Nmbful Hill because, when it was discovered early one morning, a cow was mooing "Nmbful, Nmbful" on top of the hill.

Former Yonaguni Residence

To get to the former Yonaguni National Housing Complex from the Poll Tax Monument, leave the monument, turn left, and then turn left at the end of the road.

Turn right at the Y-intersection, and after passing the T-intersection, turn right at the next intersection; you’ll see the former Yonaguni National Housing Complex on your right.

Built in 1913, this is the Yonaguchi family residence. As it preserves the modern residential architecture and lifestyle of Taketomi Island, it is considered a highly valuable structure and was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2007.

It is a split-level house consisting of the main house (Fuya) and the kitchen (Tora), which are connected.

Details of the Head Tax Monument

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