Ōkunoshima, known worldwide as “Rabbit Island”, attracts thousands of tourists every year. Around 500 rabbits roam freely on the island, and visitors come to see them, feed them, and take photos. But behind this “cute” image lies a serious problem.

The rabbits are left without protection under Japanese law. They receive no veterinary care, no regulated food supply, and no control over their population. Tourists often feed them bread, snacks, or other harmful food, leading to disease and starvation. Many rabbits suffer from injuries, infections, and die prematurely.

Instead of being respected as living creatures, these animals are exploited as a tourist gimmick. Unregulated tourism has turned Ōkunoshima into a place of silent cruelty.

We demand urgent action to protect the rabbits of Ōkunoshima: proper veterinary support, regulated feeding, population management, and restrictions on uncontrolled tourist interaction.

Tourism must never come at the cost of animal suffering. The world is watching — it is time for Japan to take responsibility.