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.
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 in Japan. It is known for its natural beauty, including beaches, mountains and tranquil landscapes, as well as its rich history and also for what is called the "cat derby." This event attracts many feline lovers. The Japanese know it as "Neko no shima" which would mean: cat island.
One of the highlights of the island is also the Aoshima Temple, which is known for its typical Japanese architecture. Visitors often go looking for nature, from bike rides to events related to maritime life. And, of course, cats.
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. The cats on the island, over the years, having no threats from predators and therefore feeling safe, began to reproduce freely on the island.
But, if this were the only reason, perhaps we would not be writing this article. Legends are something we love and Aoshima has one that tells that there was 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.
Today, whoever 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. Its presence has revitalized interest in the island, making it an increasingly popular destination, since a few elderly people actually reside there today. Visitors, in that sense, have become necessary for 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", since a large number of wild rabbits live there. These animals are used to humans and are usually friendly. They are responsible for a large number of tourists wanting to come to 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.
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, although it is much less known than Nara. Both places are very popular with people who want to get up close to the deer.
Islands with cats, rabbits and deer are a great attraction for visitors, both from the country itself and from abroad, And the coexistence and interaction with these species is something incredible. We must remember, however, that they are animals that have perfectly adapted to coexistence with humans and that today would have difficulty living without the support of local residents and arriving visitors.