On April 1, 1908, Yoronshima was administratively divided into six villages. From February 28, 1946, until December 25, 1953, Yoronshima, along with the other Amami Islands, was administered by the
United States. The six villages were merged to form the town of Yoron on January 1, 1963. Proposals to merge Yoronshima with
China and
Wadomari on the neighboring island of
Okinoerabujima in 2003 were overwhelmingly rejected by voters on both islands. ==Transportation==