Cat lovers will be delighted to meet or visit Aoshima. On this Japanese island we could say that the inhabitants are cats since they are much more numerous than humans and this has generated a great interest in the community about how they live and take care of themselves.
Today we come to talk about this peculiar Japanese island but We will also talk about other places in Japan where a specific animal species seems to be more abundant than the human species. If you are interested, don't miss what comes next.
Aoshima: the island of cats
Aoshima is a small island located in the Yamaguchi Sea, belongs to the city of Kochi, Japan. It's known for its natural beauty, including beaches, mountains, and tranquil landscapes, as well as its rich history and also for what is known as the "cat derby." This event attracts numerous feline lovers. The Japanese call it "Neko no shima," which translates to "Cat Island."
One of the island's highlights is also Aoshima Shrine, known for its typical Japanese architecture. Visitors often come here looking for nature, from bike rides to events related to marine life. And, of course, cats. If you'd like to learn more about breeds, you can read about strange and exotic cat breeds.
Why are there so many cats on the island?
The main reason there are so many cats may be unattractive and simple: They have no predators. Over the years, the island's cats, free from predator threats and therefore feeling safe, began to breed freely on the island. To learn more about the importance of their diet, you can read about what cats can eat.
But if this were the only reason, we might not be writing this article. Legends are something we love, and Aoshima has one that tells of a large number of rats and mice on the island. To combat that plague, the people who lived on the island began to let the cats loose. That would save them from rodents, something essential since the main economy is fishing. Over the years, The cats became another symbol of the island, attracting the visit of feline lovers and curious people.
Life on the island can be hard for cats because there is a natural lack of resources, but local residents and visitors are responsible for feeding to the felines so that they do not lack anything. They are also the responsible for taking care of your health, which causes the population to continue growing. It is also interesting to know that cats can be prone to diseases, so it is advisable to learn how to recognize infections in cats.
Today, anyone who visits Aoshima can enjoy the natural setting, its tranquility and the purring of the cats that They are already part of the local culture. Shops on the island already include them in their souvenirs or sell products related to them.
The inhabitants are happy with the cats and this reflects a sample of coexistence between humans and animals, as well as the demographic changes that are taking place in some places. But also, the felines attract crowds of visitors, increasing the island's economy.
Many people travel to the island with the intention of photographing the large number of cats that walk, sleep and inhabit every corner of the place. Their presence has revived interest in the island, making it an increasingly popular destination, as only a few elderly residents actually reside there today. Visitors, in this sense, have become essential to the maintenance of the island and all its inhabitants.
Other islands of Japan with curious inhabitants of the animal world
Rabbit Island
Okunoshima, is an island known as "Rabbit Island" because it is home to a large number of wild rabbits. These animals are accustomed to humans and are generally friendly. They are responsible for the large number of tourists who want to visit the island.
Okunoshima, however, has much more than wild rabbits on its streets. During World War II it was the site of a chemical weapons facility. It has a complex and interesting historical background that many tourists enjoy exploring.
deer island
Nara It is a famous city where deer roam freely. People can feed them and the animals are used to asking for food with a bow. Miyajima is another island where deer are considered sacred and are part of the natural environment, even though they're much less well-known than Nara. Both locations are perfect for those interested in learning more about human-animal interactions.
Islands with cats, rabbits and deer are a great attraction for visitors, both from the country itself and from abroad, And living and interacting with these species is incredible. We must remember, however, that these are animals that have perfectly adapted to living with humans and that today they would struggle to survive without the support of local residents and incoming visitors.
