5/31/26 typhoon approaching pouring rain rabbits taking shelter from rain hungry rabbit with no one on the island sick rabbit trying to survive in bad weather rabbits drinking rain water after storm hungry rabbits chasing people for food after storm 5/31/26 I heard that a rather large typhoon is expected to hit around June 2nd or 3rd. Okunoshima often lies directly in the path of typhoons; whenever one strikes, it typically brings torrential rains and causes tree branches to

a rabbit suffering from heat stroke) 5/6/26 The intense heat of Okunoshima is fast approaching—or rather, it is a scorching heat. The climate on this island in the Seto Inland Sea is, quite naturally, sweltering from May through September. Aside from the shade provided by trees, the island offers no shelters to shield one from the harsh sunlight. Yet, more than the glare itself, what is truly overwhelming is the sheer, unrelenting humidity. Unlike humans, rabbits cannot regul

5/10/26 A complex fracture in a baby rabbit weighing a mere 385 grams. How many times have I witnessed rabbits hobbling along, dragging their injured legs behind them? For a rabbit suffering from such a fracture, the chances of surviving on this island are absolutely nil. In most cases, they fall prey to natural predators before infection from the injury can claim their lives. Yet, despite this cruel reality, there is almost no one willing to reach out and offer a helping han

This rabbit died right in front of our eyes 5/17/26 What exactly are the rabbits of Ohkunoshima? They are not wild rabbits. Rather, they are domesticated rabbits that have reverted to a feral state. Nor are they the native hares that naturally inhabit mountainous regions. Ohkunoshima offers virtually none of the food sources that rabbits would typically consume in the wild. As for water, the only naturally available supply they can rely on is rainwater. Were it not for human.

The rabbit who was motionless one afternoon was found dead next morning after being attacked by crow 5/14/26 Criticism of the situation of the rabbits on Okunoshima Island often focuses on the Ministry of the Environment, which manages the island; Takehara City, where the island is located; and Kyukamura, a hotel that operates facilities on the island. Personally, I believe it's true that each of these entities bears some responsibility for the rabbits. Takehara City and Kyuk

5/7/26 The first photo was taken during the long weekend in February of this year. The rest show what was left behind on the ground: food, food, and more food. I understand the desire to feed the rabbits—I understand it all too well. However, on days when the number of tourists exceeds the number of rabbits, leaving food on the ground is a complete waste unless a rabbit is right in front of you and actively eating it. Rabbits will not eat vegetables that have been placed on t

Ran chan on the island before the rescue 5/5/26 It has been nearly two years since Ran-chan—a rabbit with a large tumor on her left ear—was rescued in July 2024 from Okunoshima, an island floating in the Seto Inland Sea off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. Prior to this, there were many rabbits we had wanted to rescue but were unable to; we carried with us a great deal of regret. However, by participating in medical rescue operations alongside the fellow volunteers who hel

Severe infection on nose and right eye. She was totally ousted from other rabbits 5/15/26 Can the Rabbits Not Be Rescued Simply Because They Inhabit Country-Owned Land? During the trial concerning the mass slaughter of rabbits that took place a year ago, the official classification of the rabbits on Ohkunoshima Island was redefined—shifting from "invasive alien species" (their previous designation) to "protected animals." It was precisely because of this new classification th

typical sick rabbit with eye infection 5/16/26 I want you to understand this: Why is the neglect of the rabbits on Okunoshima Island such a serious problem? There is a concept known as "wildlife tourism"—quite literally, tourism centered around wild animals. As the World Animal Protection organization has noted, for wildlife tourism to be truly sustainable, the conservation and welfare of the animals must take precedence over mere human entertainment. The rabbits of Okunoshim

3/27/26 A severely ill rabbit, living in isolation to escape from the other rabbits 3/27/26 Are the Rabbits of Okunoshima Truly Pitiful? Many first-time visitors to the island fail to notice the "dark side" of Okunoshima. I, too, was once among them. People are thrilled by the sight of so many adorable rabbits flocking around them. It is precisely this experience that likely ensures the island's popularity never wanes. Furthermore, when one sees nothing but photos of cute rab

Rabbit called Matsuzaka 3/20/26 (The picture captures an early instance where two rabbits attempted to drive Mr. Matsusaka out of their territory.) When we first visited Okunoshima in 2013, the rabbit population must surely have exceeded 1,000. If the current count stands at 400, it certainly felt as though there were at least three times that number back then. (I suspect that once the rabbit population surpasses a certain threshold, it becomes impossible to count them accura

3/14/26 (Pictured: Rabbits on Okunoshima Island that have suffered from abscesses) Saki—a rabbit rescued on February 18, 2026, with a massive abscess on her back—continues to bravely undergo treatment at the veterinary hospital today.Reflecting on Saki’s condition brings to mind the many other rabbits I have seen on Okunoshima Island over the years that were afflicted with abscesses. ( Unfortunately, Saki passed away despite her fight to survive) According to veterinarians, r

Kanon-chan, a rabbit rescued in May 2025 after sustaining severe injuries in a fight with another rabbit. 3/6/26 — "It’s so moving to see how resilient wild rabbits are—surviving even after fierce fights and injuries."— "I’m deeply moved by the lively spirit of the rabbits on Okunoshima."— "The rabbits on Okunoshima are by no means pitiful creatures." These are words frequently uttered by people who truly do not understand the reality of Okunoshima. Rabbits that sustain injur

2/25/26 A ailing rabbit with tattered coat. I wonder if she has turned a year old yet? Perhaps, once upon a time, it was healthy enough to run and frolic freely. Now, however, she is frequently chased away and struggles desperately just to secure a morsel of food.On that particular day—perhaps sensing that its chances were slim if it merely kept reaching up from the ground—she climbed all the way onto the table where my bag sat, filled with various treats. As it happened, th

baby rabbit is too fragile to survive on the island 2/22/26, It’s almost like a roll of dice for someone like this little one to survive on this island.

left side of his face right side of his face 2/22/26 In the environment of Okunoshima—where no one takes responsibility for the lives of the animals—can the acts of feeding and providing water truly be justified? Are these actions genuinely in the best interest of the rabbits? Although Okunoshima falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry has explicitly stated that it does not manage the rabbits. By "not managing," they naturally mean that t

2/19/26 How much do you really know about Okunoshima? Is it just a fun place filled with rabbits? That is likely the only image you have of it. The rabbits on Okunoshima are not managed by anyone; they are, in effect, left to roam wild. The rabbits dig burrows and sleep deep within the thickets. Whether the weather is hot or cold, they have little protection from the elements. It is inevitable that their health will deteriorate during periods of extreme heat or severe winter

sick baby rabbit with severe infection 2/14/26 Those who harbor animosity toward the medical rescue efforts on Okunoshima often cite the signs posted on the island. It was a very long time ago that this particular sign was created by the Rabbit Committee. At the time it was made, medical rescues were surely an unforeseen scenario. In fact, because we took the wording of this sign at face value, we have effectively left many rabbits to die. I believe the instruction "Please d

Sick rabbit 2/12/26 Myth about Ohkunoshima Some people say rabbits are free and happy on Ohkunoshima (Rabbit Island). Did you actually watch how they live? There is no one managing these rabbits. They are not even wild rabbits, but offspring of dumped housed rabbits. Takehara City where this island is located depends on volunteers to provide water (and maybe food) for rabbits and pick up garbages. Volunteers are exploited as well just like rabbits are exploited. Rabbits are

Rabbit called "Little Boss" in June 2024 2/4/26 There are people who are lobbying against medical rescue from Ohkunoshima even after 19 months of rescue activities. They claim some rescued rabbits still die despite the treatment off the island. Most of the rescued rabbits in the last 19 months were in serious condition and some cases were almost a miracle for them to make full recovery. How on earth do they oppose to saving lives? What kind of people are they? If left on the