Cat Island (known as Tashirojima in Japan) is a small island located in Miyagi Prefecture, famous for its large number of cats that live there. The island has more cats than people, making it an ideal tourist destination for cat lovers.
Brief History and Features:
Human Population: About 100 inhabitants, mostly elderly people.
Cat Population: Cats outnumber human residents. It is believed that they were originally brought to control infestations in the silk industry.
Cat Culture: Cats are revered and protected. Locals believe that cats bring luck and prosperity, especially to fishermen, as there is an ancient belief that cats can predict the weather.
The island has two main villages and offers accommodation and basic services for tourists. In addition, Tashirojima is also known as "Manga Island" because there are huts with designs inspired by this Japanese art style, created by the famous artist Shotaro Ishinomori.
Tourist attraction:
Visitors come to the island to interact with cats, enjoy the tranquility of the place and explore the natural beauty and small villages. Cats are the main attraction, and there are sanctuaries and monuments dedicated to them.