Occupied by the United States Armed Forces following World War II, South Iwo Jima was restored to Japanese control in 1968.

The peak on South Iwo Jima is the largest in Ogasawara Subprefecture—including the Bonin and Volcano Islands and three isolated islets—at 913 meters (2,995 ft) and its average slope angle is 45 degrees.

[3][4] The island is a treasure house of precious animals and plants because it has not been developed historically due to its geographical isolation from mainland Japan, steep topography, and severe weather conditions.

[6] South Iwo Jima is the location of Mahoutokoro, the Japanese school of witchcraft and wizardry in the fictional universe of Harry Potter.

Mahoutokoro, the shiro or castle, is located on the peak of the extinct volcano and is constructed of pure white jade and surrounded by stormy seas, without any Muggle inhabitants, and very close to a Japanese Air Force base.