Is Ohkunoshima REALLY Rabbit Paradise?

What is paradise for domestic rabbits?

8/22/26

Okunoshima is an island situated in the Seto Inland Sea. Despite its dark history, the scenery is reminiscent of a tropical paradise, leading one to imagine that the rabbits living there must be truly happy.

However, Okunoshima does not provide an environment where domestic rabbits can survive without human intervention. Water sources on the island are limited, and it has been verified and proven that the predominantly sandy soil does not support the growth of vegetation suitable for rabbits to eat.

While the rabbits may appear to be running freely and spending time with their companions and families when healthy, that is merely a fleeting glimpse; in reality, they are forced to endure a harsh existence.

When Michael and I visit Okunoshima, we stay for weeks at a time to observe the rabbits. I feel that their society is not a gentle one. There are constant, life-threatening fights both within and outside their territories, and cruel power dynamics over food among those sharing the same territory. There are also instinct-driven clashes over females.

Once a rabbit is injured or falls ill, its life changes drastically. It must distance itself not only from natural predators but also from the other rabbits around it; while it struggles to survive amidst anxiety and fear, once it finds itself in this state, death is only a matter of time.

Looking at the treatment and necropsy results of rabbits rescued over the two-year period starting in 2024, we see a pattern where their condition fluctuates but steadily deteriorates, eventually becoming irreversible and leading to death. Even baby rabbits can harbor invisible illnesses from birth that result in sudden death. Deaths caused by GI stasis due to improper feeding, or fatal fractures sustained from being crushed—the list of such examples goes on and on.

Do you think it is right to keep feral domestic rabbits living in an environment like this?

Do you think it is right that, even though they serve as a major tourist attraction, not a single yen is spent on the rabbits themselves?