Tanaka Isson, an artist known as Japan's "Gauguin," moved to the subtropical island of Amami Oshima at the age of 50 after years of struggle. He then spent years there painting its striking flora and fauna until his death. Following in his footsteps, Peter Barakan travels to Amami Oshima, where he discovers how the distinctive cultural traditions of the island were shaped by a history of hardship.