Smallest main island (pop., 2000 prelim.: 4,148,000) of Japan.
It is located south of Honshu and east of Kyushu . Much of its 7,063 sq mi (18,292 sq km) is mountainous, and the population is concentrated in urban areas along the coast. Rice, barley, wheat, and mandarin oranges are among the island's major crops. Industries include petroleum, textiles, paper, and fishing.