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Everlasting water cycle Yakushima-Yaku Island.

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Clouds formed by the black current rise, covering the 2,000 meter high mountain.

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The Yakushima mountains rise up out of the water and are known as the Alps on the sea.

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Yakushima was formed around 14 million years ago when granite base rock was elevated by seismic activity.

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Hard and solid granite rocks weather slowly and only produce a small amount of soil.

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It's a poor environment for growing plants.

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Annual rainfall can reach 4,500 millimeters a year.

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This is the Hananoigo, the southernmost marsh in Japan.

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Sponge-like peat moss absorbs rainwater creating a natural reservoir.

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Both subtropical and arctic plant species can be found here.

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A thin layer of soil covers the rock surface.

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Trees survive by clinging to the rocks.

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Yakushima is the southernmost point where wild Japanese cedars grow.

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On the island, Japanese cedar under 1,000 years old are called Kosugi.

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The ones older than that are called Yakusugi.

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Large Japanese cedars are given individual names.

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This one is called Kigensugi. It is thought to be 3,000 years old.

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This one, Jomonsugi, is said to be 7,200 years old.

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The root of Yakusugi is covered in thick moss which is an indispensable part of the island ecosystem.

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It also prevents the tree roots from drying up and protects against soil erosion.

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There are numerous plant species from the high mountain slopes down to the coastal areas.

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Rhododendron yakushima-num is one plant species which is adapted to the island's diverse climatic conditions.

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It lives in both exposed mountainous and covered forest areas.

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Rainwater from the black current falls onto the mountains and gives life to all living things.

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During its journey back to the ocean.