AMAKUSA, an island of about 2oosq.m. off the west coast of the larger island of Kyushu in south Japan (3 2 ° 25' N., 130° E.). Its conformation is typical of that of the whole west flank of Kyushu, a hilly country broken up along north-east to south-west lines ; and its terrace cultivation is that found not only in Kyushu but in most of south Japan. (See JAPAN.)