- an island in SW Japan, S of Honshu: the smallest of the main islands of Japan. 7,249 sq. mi. (18,775 sq. km).
- the smallest of the four main islands of Japan, separated from Honshu by the Inland Sea: forested and mountainous. Pop: 4 137 000 (2002 est). Area: 17 759 sq km (6857 sq miles)
