Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'mainlander' depends heavily on context—which island group is the reference point. The most common use is for someone from the main islands of Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) as opposed to Okinawa or Hokkaido. There are also terms for mainland China vs. Taiwan/Hong Kong, and for the main island in a smaller archipelago.
Literally 'person of the inland/home territories'. Historically used in Okinawa to refer to mainland Japanese. Can carry colonial nuances, so use with care.
内地の人は沖縄の文化にあまり詳しくないことがあります。
Mainlanders are sometimes not very familiar with Okinawan culture.
Okinawan language word for 'mainland Japanese person'. Used in Okinawan context, sometimes with a sense of 'outsider'.
ヤマトンチュにはわからない沖縄の習慣がある。
There are Okinawan customs that mainlanders don't understand.
Referring to someone from Honshu southward, in contrast to Hokkaido residents.
In Hokkaido, '内地' (naichi) historically referred to the rest of Japan. Still used, but can sound old-fashioned.
北海道では、内地の人を「内地の人」と呼ぶことがあります。
In Hokkaido, people from the mainland are sometimes called 'naichi no hito'.
Literally 'person from Honshu'. More specific, but often used loosely for mainlanders.
本州の人は北海道の広さに驚く。
Mainlanders are surprised by the vastness of Hokkaido.
Referring to someone from the People's Republic of China, as distinct from Taiwan or Hong Kong.
Literally 'person from mainland China'. '中国本土' (Chūgoku hondo) means mainland China.
中国本土の人は簡体字を使います。
Mainlanders use simplified characters.
Literally 'person from the continent'. Common in Taiwan and Hong Kong to refer to mainland Chinese. Can be neutral or slightly distancing.
台湾では、大陸の人を「大陸人」と呼ぶこともあります。
In Taiwan, mainlanders are sometimes called 'continent people'.
Referring to someone from the largest island in a group, e.g., main island of Okinawa, main island of Hawaii.
Pattern: [island name] + 本島 (hontō, main island) + の人. E.g., 沖縄本島の人 (Okinawa hontō no hito) for someone from the main island of Okinawa.
沖縄本島の人は離島のことをあまり知らないこともある。
People from the main island of Okinawa sometimes don't know much about the remote islands.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'mainlander'. Always specify the reference point (mainland Japan, mainland China, etc.) or use a phrase like '本土の人' with clear context.