The Sad Reality of Japan's Famous Cat Island | Aoshima

Aoshima Island is home to hundreds of cute cats that roam around the tiny island. This island located in Ehime prefecture was once lively fishing village, but is now home to only 6 permanent residents. After hearing about all the adorable cats, we made sure to add this island to part of our Shikoku itinerary. But the reality of everything is this place may not last for that much longer...

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#cats #islandlife #japanvlog

[narial]

This is the sad reality of a lot of places in Japan. Lots of abandoned building because of urbanization and people relocating to the cities for work

[RagingBeans]

really surprised they havent made this place a tourist spot

[irvangb]

A good idea for Cat Island is to add a adoption center so you can adopt a cat you like.

[chrishou]

I visited this island yesterday and coincidentally found this video today! I even recognized some of the cats in the video and was wondering if the clipped ear meant they were neutered. It really is somber seeing all the abandoned and collapsed houses -- I tried reaching the lighthouse but the path is so overgrown that it's not possible anymore. It is also sad seeing how many of the kitties needed medical attention especially during the winter. I can only hope they all live happy lives despite what ultimately happens to the island.

[heavenlygothicgirl]

This actually made me cry a little. At least they had them neutered and the ones there get to live out their lives in peace. Judging by their body language i would say they are very happy cats.

[eros]

I wish some millionaire will send these locals and cats some help. This is definitely on my list of things to do when I'll be a millionaire.

[dngarissan]

If it’s Nationally famous these cats can actually bring money to the island. they just need to call an association and organize everything with monthly volunteers, etc. tourists fee could finance happiness again in this island if do correctly

[spectrus]

There are no words that can express my sadness, these cats better be brought to safety if the island truly is abandoned

[scottcupp]

When I visit Japan, I hope that I do soon, this is going to be my first stop. I LOVE kitties and I would gladly give whatever I have left to help them. God bless their little souls. All they want is love...and of course some tasty food.

[l.salisbury]

I needed this. Tuesday represented the one year anniversary of when my BEAUTIFUL silver tabby passed away. She was 19! We'd been together 14 years.
I love you, Little Mooshcat! I will NEVER forget you...

[theusher]

It's so sad to see abandoned towns. People lived, worked, played, loved, made memories there.

[Michelle-uubl]

Such adorable cats, wish I could adopt one! Appreciate the informative video. It does break my heart those precious cats don’t have a single loving home.

[ramsez_r]

Visited Aoshima around two weeks ago and watched this video today. I felt the same emotions when I left the island... Just felt really sad...
There are only two occupied buildings with less than 5 people total, the food dispenser and leftover is no longer there, there were only 4 people with me on the boat. and it seems compared to this video, the abandoned part is getting bigger.

Please please visit the island at least once!

[wildlifeisthewealthofnatur]

The island would never be empty. Nature will make it lively again. When all cats are gone, some birds might make it their home, shores might get shellfish and crabs roaming around.

[memnocksinner]

I didn't know about this one, but heard of the rabbit island located in the same country. Glad to see they are all, or least almost all, fixed. I noticed the cliped ear right away and was a bit surprised that it's an international practice. I sincerely hope people adopt these cats or assist in assuring a better life for the animals. As crazy as it may sound, I think a program of/campaign supporting adoption for both islands might actually be popular with the public. Whom thus will pay for the adoption and thus seen as a status symbol of humanitarian/activism, so to speak, action. Personally I don't particularly want it to be expensive beyond normal costs but in today's environment people might be willing to pay to just to say they adopted a cat or rabbit from such locations and in turn give the animals a good home(I hope) while paying a premium. Which can convince officials of the viability of such an endeavor and foster a advertising campaign that will assist in getting this achieved. This same method might work for other locals that have large populations of other animals like dogs. I had a boss that went to great lengths to adopt a dog from Aruba, the dog was named Aduba from Aruba and took much time to find peace amount people as it wasn't treated nice as a random stray. So I believe this may offset these poor animals suffering if people just open up to adoption.

[TheSilverwing]

It really saddens me how a lot of country side is becoming abandoned in Japan over time. There is so much that will be lost and never return

[stevenle]

Wonderful video. Loved the fact you also covered not just the cats but the situation on the island.

[Allen-R]

Man, I really hope I could still visit the island before it's too late. But the odds aren't looking great. I wish the people and the cats on that island the best!!!

[ravenschippers]

Cat island has a lot of potential as a small tourist attraction. If anything an additional ferry to take tourists, a spot for tourists to stay for the day thats cat-themed, or just a cat cafe might help.

[widhay_yani]

You can see also cats island called Tashirojima in Japan. Rachel and Jun went to visit. You can learn how the situation there. The video is on their channel.