On a Small Island Off the Coast of Japan, Cats Outnumber People

by Semaia Zerezghi, age 9

On a small island off the coast of Japan, there is a place where cats roam freely and play all around. This place is a cat lover's dream.

Many tourists visit Tashirojima, Japan, each year to make offerings to the island's cats. In Japanese culture, cats are seen as omens of good luck, and on this island, they are believed to be guardian spirits. According to legends, both humans and cats once lived together on the island. In one tragic incident, a local accidentally killed one of the good luck cats. To apologize, the humans agreed to care for the cats and give them a place where they could live freely.

Fishermen are said to have observed the cats' behavior to predict sailing conditions, while farmers believed the presence of cats brought good luck and protected their crops from pests.

The island has pathways winding through its scenic terrain, where cats groom themselves and interact with one another. Despite being a tourist destination, Tashirojima is designed to accommodate its feline residents. There are no cars or public transport, so visitors must explore the island on foot. According to the city, over 100 cats live and around 50 humans on the island.

Cats can be more than just pets—they can be guardians, good luck charms, or even weather predictors.

[Sources: Associated Press; Wisconsin State Journal]