Island of Cats!

Image credit: www.japan-guide.com

A small island in the largest Ocean, the Pacific. As soon as you step onto the island all you hear is "meow, meow, meow" from all sides and corners. You see cat-shaped houses, a cat shrine and many cat statues everywhere on the island. Where is this wonderful place (annoying for some people, but not me!) ?

Image credit: www.japan-guide.com

1. This island, Tashirojima, is  in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan, in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula. 

Image credit: www.amusingplanet.com

2. There are more cats than people on this island. The human population is about 100.

Image credit: www.amusingplanet.com

3. Cats have long been thought by the locals to represent luck and good fortune, and doubly so if you feed and care for them. Thus, the cats are treated like kings, and although most are feral because keeping them as "pets" is generally considered inappropriate, they are well-fed and well-cared for.

Image credit: www.amusingplanet.com

4. There are about 51 cat-shaped monuments and buildings.
5. You won't find any pet dogs and it is basically prohibited to bring dogs onto the island.

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6. There are more than 2000 cats on the island. You find no other animal, hence people call this place 'Cats' heaven'.
7. Tashiro-jima is also known as "Manga Island".