Kikai Island is a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its thriving sugarcane agriculture. When visiting the island, traces of sugarcane are found everywhere, but the 'Sugarcane Monument' in particular represents the islanders' love for sugarcane.
The 'Sugarcane Monument' stands near the entrance to a bay in the northern part of the island. This monument, established by the sugarcane production cooperative in 1955, honors the history of sugarcane cultivation and the hard work of the islanders.
Reading the inscription, it becomes clear that sugarcane has played a crucial role as the island's primary industry, supporting the lives of the islanders. The 'Sugarcane Monument', with its bittersweet history engraved, is a fitting place to experience Kikai Island.