Care for rabbits is not just giving them food and water

sick baby rabbit

6/20/26

I cannot help but feel conflicted whenever I see social media posts about Okunoshima featuring cute photos of rabbits and captions about how adorable and soothing they are.

I can imagine that for first-time visitors or those who have only been a few times, such posts stem from a lack of deep understanding; they are simply tourists who do not know the island's true situation.

But what about those who visit regularly and post content that portrays the island's situation in a positive light? They are well aware of the reality on Okunoshima. I suppose they have their own motives, and some of their posts hint at complex underlying feelings.

I do not believe that secretly rescuing sick or injured rabbits serves to confront society with the island's problems. Such actions are likely to be viewed as nothing more than theft; while it may benefit the rescued rabbit, the impact ends there. If one truly wants to bring the issue to public attention, I believe it is necessary to go public with the rescue and openly expose the problem of abandoned rabbits on Okunoshima.

It is unlikely that the government will step in to protect the rabbits. There is no budget for it, and the actual tourism revenue generated by visitors to Okunoshima remains unclear. Aside from the Omishima Ferry and the Kure Line—both of which have faced rumors of discontinuation—or the gift shop at Tadanoumi Port, there appear to be no entities reaping significant profits. Nor does it seem that the citizens of Takehara City are benefiting in any tangible way.

Is it right to assume that simply providing food and water ensures the rabbits live happy lives?

Sadly, no matter how much food and water is provided, what is actually done for a rabbit when it falls ill or suffers an injury?

Turning a blind eye to the issues facing Okunoshima is tantamount to betraying your favorite rabbit.