TASHIRO JIMA, Japan. On the quaint island of Tashirojima, off Japan’s northeastern coast, visitors pay homage at a unique shrine dedicated to the island’s cherished inhabitants: cats. The “Neko Jinja,” or Cat Shrine, venerates these felines as guardian angels of Tashirojima, an island where cats outnumber humans.
Historically, Tashirojima was renowned for sericulture. Farmers relied on cats to chase away rats, thereby protecting their precious silkworm cocoons from being devoured by rodents. Over time, the local fishermen also came to believe that cats brought good luck, including abundant fish hauls. Another legend tells of fishermen who would observe the cats’ behavior to predict the weather before heading out to sea.
The islanders’ bond with cats has deep roots. One day, a fisherman accidentally injured a cat while working. Overcome with guilt, the community decided to build a shrine to honor the cats, solidifying their reverence for these animals.
Tashirojima is part of Ishinomaki city in Miyagi prefecture, an area widely recognized after the devastating tsunami that followed the magnitude 9 earthquake on March 11, 2011. Today, the island is home to over 100 cats and around 50 humans, according to the city’s website.
The island’s two ports are connected by a paved road about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long, where visitors can see cats grooming themselves and mingling freely. While there are a few cafes and inns, Tashirojima lacks car rental services, gas stations, and public transportation. Tourists are expected to explore the island on foot, trekking up and down its scenic hills.
Most cats on Tashirojima are accustomed to human interaction, welcoming tourists who often pet the friendly felines. This harmonious coexistence between cats and humans makes Tashirojima a unique destination, celebrating the special role of cats in its cultural and historical fabric.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
