​YAKU-SHIMA, an island belonging to Japan, lying S. of Kiushiu, in 30° 30′ N. and 130° 30′ E. It is an irregular pentagon, 14 m. in width and the same in length. It is separated from Tanega-shima by the Vincennes Strait (Yaku-kaikyô), 12¼ m. wide, and its surface is broken by lofty mountains, of which Yae-dake rises to a height of 6515 ft., and Eboshi-dake to a height of 4840 ft. It is covered with dense forest, in which are some of the finest cryptomeria in Japan, known as Yaku-sugi.