Imagine stepping onto an island where the locals walk on four paws instead of two. That’s exactly what greets visitors to Aoshima, a tiny island in southern Japan often called Cat Island. Here, cats outnumber humans by almost six to one. With only a few dozen elderly residents, the island’s furry population has become its true face.The story of Aoshima began decades ago, long before it became famous on the internet. Back then, the island was a simple fishing community. Fishermen spent their days repairing nets, heading out to sea, and drying their catches under the sun. Like many coastal villages, Aoshima had an unwelcome problem — mice. These rodents gnawed through ropes and fishing gear, damaging livelihoods. To solve it, fishermen did what people across the world had done for centuries: they brought in cats. Agile, alert, and excellent hunters, the cats quickly reduced the mice population.But the story did not end there. The cats thrived in the mild climate and plentiful food supply. With little traffic, no predators, and quiet surroundings, they multiplied. Over time, as Japan modernised, younger generations left Aoshima for schools, jobs, and opportunities in bigger cities. The human population shrank steadily. By the early 2000s, only a small group of elderly residents remained. The cats, however, stayed — and grew in number. Before long, cats sprawled on rooftops, curled up on fishing boats, and padded down narrow lanes. At the harbour, clusters of whiskered faces appeared whenever the ferry arrived, curious about new visitors.It was the internet that turned this sleepy island into a global curiosity. Photos of streets lined with cats, or images of dozens of felines waiting at the dock, spread rapidly on social media. Suddenly, people from around the world wanted to see it for themselves. Tourists boarded ferries to visit the island, not for sandy beaches or luxury resorts, but simply to spend time surrounded by cats. For animal lovers, Aoshima seemed like a paradise — a living dream where cats wandered freely, unbothered by cars or city chaos.Unlike a zoo or sanctuary, there are no enclosures here. The cats roam wherever they please. Some are friendly, running up to visitors for treats or a scratch behind the ears. Others watch from rooftops or shaded corners, their tails flicking lazily. It is common to see groups of cats stretched out together in the sun, or patiently waiting by the fishing harbour, hoping for scraps of seafood.Yet Aoshima’s charm also comes with challenges. With fewer than 20 human residents, caring for over 100 cats is not simple. Elderly islanders cannot always provide enough food or medical attention. Volunteers and veterinarians from nearby towns step in, bringing supplies and running sterilisation programmes to keep numbers under control. Without these efforts, the island could face problems of overpopulation and illness.The relationship between people and cats here reflects a delicate balance. The cats depend on the community for survival, but in return they have given Aoshima something unusual — an identity recognised across the world. While most islands are known for natural beauty, ancient history, or holiday resorts, Aoshima is remembered for whiskers, meows, and paw prints.Interestingly, Aoshima is not the only “cat island” in Japan. Places like Tashirojima in Miyagi Prefecture also have thriving feline populations. In Tashirojima, cats are even believed to bring good luck and prosperity, with shrines dedicated to them. But Aoshima remains the most famous, partly because of the dramatic contrast: an almost deserted human settlement where cats have quietly taken over.For Japan, a country known for neon cities, bullet trains, and cutting-edge technology, Aoshima feels like another world. Life moves slowly here. There are no shops, hotels, or modern facilities. Visitors who take the 30-minute ferry must carry their own food and supplies. What they find in return is a simpler rhythm of life, marked by the sound of waves, the cry of seagulls, and the gentle purring of cats.Aoshima is more than just a tourist curiosity — it is also a reminder of how human choices ripple through time. When fishermen introduced a few cats to chase mice, they could never have imagined their decision would shape the island’s future identity..The cats far outnumber humansAoshima has fewer than 20 permanent residents but over 120 cats..The island is tinyIt measures just 1.6 km in length, with narrow lanes and a small harbour..The ferry is the only way inThere are no roads, bridges, or airports — only a boat connects Aoshima to the mainland..There are no shops or hotelsVisitors must carry their own food and water, as the island has no modern facilities..Cats came to fight miceFishermen introduced cats decades ago to protect their boats and nets from rodents..Tourism changed the island’s fatePhotos of its roaming cats went viral online, drawing global attention and visitors..Volunteers care for the catsVets and animal groups visit to provide food, sterilisation, and medical care..Not the only cat islandJapan has several, including Tashirojima, where cats are considered good luck.
