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Tashirojima is a small island off the Oshika Peninsula in eastern Japan, located within Ishinomaki, Miyagi. Known for its large population of cats, the island has earned a charming nickname: 'Cat Island'. As a result, Tashirojima has naturally become a popular destination for travelers exploring Japan.
Tashirojima: The island of chubby cats in Japan
The four-legged residents of Tashirojima's Cat Island
To reach the Cat Island, visitors need to take a 40-minute ferry ride from Ishinomaki city. After a journey across the waves, tourists will arrive at the charming and small Tashirojima Island, where countless cats make their home.
However, what you might not know is that although Tashirojima is often called Cat Island, humans also inhabit it. The island's population is about 100 people, which is surprisingly fewer than the number of cats living there.
The cats on the island began to gain prominence around the 18th to 19th century (the end of the Edo period). According to locals, during this time, silkworm farming became widespread to meet the needs of the growing textile industry. However, this industry faced significant challenges due to rats ruining crops. It was then that cats were valued for their ability to drive away the rats, protecting the silkworm farms. Once the rats were gone, the cats started to wander toward the fishing villages to find fish, their new food source.
Tashirojima Island is considered a peaceful home for the cats - illustrative image
Although their intentions were not exactly 'pure,' the local fishermen still had a deep affection for these four-legged companions. Over time, the bond between the cats and the island's inhabitants grew stronger. This affection, however, sparked a conflict between the silkworm farmers and the coastal fishermen. The farmers felt that the cats were becoming more friendly with the fishermen than with them.
Cats naturally became the symbol of Tashirojima Island - illustrative image
Fortunately, the conflict did not last long, as the textile industry quickly declined. The silkworm farmers could no longer sustain their livelihoods and were forced to leave the island in search of new opportunities. At this point, the relationship between the cats and the fishermen became the island's only remaining bond in the peaceful community.
Fall in love with the serene beauty of Tashirojima, Cat Island
While the cats on the island still regularly 'ask for fish' from the locals, they also play a significant role in the growth of the island's budget-friendly tourism. The islanders even believe that the cats are symbols of luck, prosperity, and wealth. This belief is one of the reasons why they continue to care for the growing cat population, even as the number of cats increases exponentially, surpassing the island's human population.
The cats are cherished by the locals and seen as symbols of good fortune - illustrative image
In 2011, when the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck, Ishinomaki was very close to the epicenter. However, thanks to their good fortune, the cats and their beloved fishing village survived the disaster and continue to thrive today, becoming a promising tourist destination in Japan for cat-loving visitors.
With such an impressive number of 'cat residents,' this island is a paradise for those who are absolutely smitten by these majestic, yet incredibly affectionate four-legged fluffballs, impossible to resist.
Tashirojima is considered a haven for cat-loving travelers - illustrative image
The growing number of international tourists visiting Cat Island is a clear testament to the irresistible charm of the cats and the island's increasing fame.
As the cat population continues to rise, dogs have become a forbidden species on this picturesque island. If you're traveling with your dog, you might have to rethink your visit, as Tashirojima is a cat lover's paradise and dogs are not allowed.
