“The island of Tashirojima is situated in the north of Japan, at the same height as the city of Sendaï. Tashirojima is known for its population of approximately 150 cats. They are the principal attraction of this island that counted over 1,000 inhabitants in the eighties. There was even a school, now in ruins. Today, only a few fishermen, of whom the average age is 60 years old, are left.
To get to the island, a single boat departs from the city of Ishinomaki. Unfortunately, the tsunami has severely touched Ishinomaki, both on a material and human level, and its port has been destroyed. Tashirojima, too, underwent material damage, cutting it off from the rest of the world for quite some time. The American army even refueled the cats of kibble by helicopter.
After the tsunami, fishing was suspended for several months as the infrastructures on the port were damaged. Nowadays, there are only three or four boats left and only one trawler in use.”
Tashirojima was once a major producer of silk worms. As mice were its biggest enemy, cats were introduced onto the island to hunt the mice. The silk production has stopped, but the cats are still there.
Around five o'clock in the morning, the fishermen come back and unload their nets to sort the fish. The cats never miss their appointment to try their luck at receiving fish in poor condition that will not be sold.
Text and cat photos: Neko Land: Une vie de chat au Japon
What great photos!
ReplyDeleteLoves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
These pussy cats are so cute but some look a little rough and probably need some vet to come over and treat their eyes etc... I love the 2 smokey kitties who seem to love each other.
ReplyDeleteSome of the cats don't look too well, but others look well fed at least.
ReplyDeletebig time aaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwws heer guyz......♥♥♥♥♥♥ two ewe all ~~~~~
ReplyDeleteI would love having a cat but hubby says no, as he doesn't care for them and we have dogs so they might not get along. Have a great day.
ReplyDeletePretty kitties!
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This is where I want to have my next vacation.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos
ReplyDeleteThe cats look like they are enjoying the sunshine and the fish leftovers. Tashirojima appears to be a remote and interesting place to visit.
ReplyDeleteCarol ("Mimi") from Home with Mimi
They're Island Cats...just like us! Great pics!
ReplyDeleteWould like to visit this place, thanks for sharing´.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Germany
Awww, poor kitties! I wish I could take them all home! At least they are getting some good fish!
ReplyDeleteHello, I am sure these kitties were great at catching the mice on the island. They are all adorable photos and cute kitties. I hope they are cared for and happy cats. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteWonderful variety of cat photogs from Japan ~ they are true survivors ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing, cats are just such incredible creatures that I adore. I do have 7 myself. What a place to experience #twinklytuesday
ReplyDeleteJapan is on our bucket list of destinations to visit - and even more so with cat island!! Looks amazing. Popping over from #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteI have seen this island before, so glad there are still fisherman there to feed the cats, Purs and hugs to them all!
ReplyDeleteAww, all those cute kitties. Love that this island is full of them. Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if catching mice is tiring work :) Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
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