Editorial Introduction

Shima derives its title from a Japanese term that is most often translated into English as “island.” But – as significantly – the term also refers to other types of space that are regarded as insular by the communities that inhabit them. While many of the spaces referred to as shima in Japanese usage are islands, defined by their encircling waters, others manifest different types of insularity and/or imagination of space. The concept of shima is discussed in detail by Jun’ichirō Suwa in his introductory essay to the first issue of the journal (v1n1, 2007).

Drawing on the above, Shima addresses social, cultural, environmental and conceptual aspects of various types of island, peninsular and otherwise insular coastal and shoreline communities, their relationship to the oceanic, estuarine, deltaic, riverine and/or lacustrine environments that substantially define them and the manner in which various types of engineered waterways and bodies of water constitute cultural landscapes in terrestrial locations. Discussions of the latter aspects have led contributors to the journal to explore the interconnection of various social, geographical and environmental factors. One outcome of this has been the origination of the concept of the aquapelago to refer to communities that are closely integrated with aquatic environments. See the articles on the topic collated at Anthologies » Aquapelago Anthology.

Similarly, a number of researchers have explored the theme of submergence, related to changing sea-levels, and/or cultural memories and interpretations of the phenomenon, see Issues » v10n2.

A related body of work has explored various aspects of mythology/folklore connected with maritime cultures and the manner in which figures from this context have been re-presented and re-signified in contemporary cultural media, see Issues » v4n2 and Issues » v12n2.

Other key concepts explored by the journal include aspects of insularity and connectivity and the relationship of the latter to various implementations and imaginations of autonomy. Several contributors to the journal have analysed the performance of micronationality in insular environments. See the articles on the topic collated at Anthologies » Micronationality Anthology.

As a multi- and inter-disciplinary journal, Shima has previously published contributions from researchers from the following disciplinary fields (listed in alphabetical order):

Anthropology
Archaeology
Art History
Cartography
Cultural Studies
Disaster Research
Economics
Environmental Studies
Ethnomusicology
Fisheries Management
Folklore Studies
Gender Studies
Geography
History
Indigenous Studies
Island Studies
Law
Linguistics
Literary Studies
Maritime/Shipping Studies
Media Studies
Philosophy
Politics
Popular Music Studies
Postcolonial Studies
Science Fiction Studies
Social History
Sociology
Sports Studies
Toponomy
Tourism