18 Years After Suspension, Okinawa-Taiwan Ferry Route Reopens
A ceremony was held on Thursday (28 May) to launch the ferry route between Taiwan and Okinawa, Japan, marking the resumption of direct service between Keelung and Ishigaki Island after an 18-year suspension.
The ceremony in northern Taiwan’s Keelung port was attended by officials including legislators and city government representatives, and featured lion dance performances.
Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin stated the new service aims to attract more Japanese tourists to Taiwan, saying, ‘We have prepared many attractive destinations and look forward to welcoming visitors.’
Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama said the route is not merely a transport link but a bridge for broader tourism, logistics, cultural, and educational development. ‘I also hope the ties between Taiwan, Ishigaki, and the Yaeyama region will last forever,’ he added during the ceremony.
The Yaima Line ferry is expected to connect Keelung and Ishigaki in approximately eight hours. For the first month of operation starting Thursday, the operator will provide one round-trip journey per week.
According to Keelung Port operators, regular ferry service between Keelung and Ishigaki operated for over 50 years before being suspended in 2008.
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