History
Yap's interaction with Japan began in in 1914 when British shelling destroyed the German colonial plantation owner's radio. Soon afterwards, a Japanese Expeditionary Squadron occupied the island on October 7 1914 in a bloodless takeover. In 1919 a Secret treaty agreement between Japan and Britain guaranteeing Japanese control over all Pacific islands north of the Equator was announced at the Treaty of Versailles.

Pre-war Japanese Settlement & Fortification
By 1920, rapid Japanese settlement began. After 1935, when Japan left the League of Nations, the island was fortified and by the late 1930's the island was a major military base. Yapese were forced to work in labor gangs and at nickel, bauxite and phosphate mines on the island.

Wartime History
During the war, the Japanese build the lighthouse in Gagil and intensive gardening begins in a large part of southern Yap. Read Yap's Air Campaign by Richard Dunn for complete history.

American Missions Against Yap
March 30 - October 30, 1944

Colonia (Doanguuc, Korronii, Kolonie, Yap, Yappu)
9° 30' 52N  138° 7' 45E

Colonia Airfield (Yap Airport)
Built by the Japanese, still in use today as Yap's airport

Tomil Airfield
Construction begun by Japanese, bombed in 1944 and abandoned