island area; insular region
Refers to a region consisting of islands, often used in geographic or administrative contexts.
Unique cultures remain in Japan's island areas.
Promoting development in insular regions is an issue.
Standard kanji spelling. 嶼 is a non-jōyō kanji, so 島しょ部 is also used.
Common alternative spelling using しょ for the non-jōyō 嶼.
Compound of 島嶼 (とうしょ, 'islands') + 部 (ぶ, 'part, area'). 島嶼 is itself a compound of 島 (island) and 嶼 (island, islet).