Okunoshima Island: Home to Over 700 Affectionate Bunnies

Okunoshima, a small island in Japan's Inland Sea, is known for its unique inhabitants: over 700 friendly domesticated rabbits roaming freely across the island. Nicknamed "Rabbit Island" or "Usagi Jima," it has become a popular tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors who interact with these curious creatures each year. While the presence of these rabbits creates an adorable and inviting atmosphere, the island's history holds a much darker chapter that adds complexity to its current peaceful allure.

A Dark Past: Okunoshima’s Role in World War II

The history of Rabbit Island is intertwined with a sad legacy from World War II. During the war, Okunoshima served as a secret location for the production of chemical weapons. The Japanese Imperial Army constructed and operated a poison gas factory on the island, producing large quantities of chemical agents for military use. The entire operation was conducted under strict secrecy—Okunoshima was even omitted from official maps to conceal its role in the production of these deadly weapons.

At the end of the war, the poison gas facilities were dismantled, and many of the remnants of the factory were either destroyed or abandoned. However, the effects of the island’s wartime activities lingered. To this day, the ruins of old gas plants and the remaining structures are a reminder of the dark history that once defined Okunoshima.

The Mystery of the Rabbits' Arrival

One of the great curiosities about Okunoshima is how its rabbit population came to be. Although many associate the rabbits with the island’s wartime past, the connection is uncertain. One standard theory is that the rabbits on the island are descendants of laboratory animals used for testing during chemical weapon production. After the factory closed, the rabbits were believed to be released into the wild.

However, no direct evidence links the current rabbit population to these laboratory animals. Another explanation suggests that rabbits were introduced in the 1970s, long after the war, as part of a tourism campaign to draw visitors and turn the island into a more hospitable and peaceful place. These rabbits, introduced by humans, found themselves in a predator-free environment with abundant food sources, leading to a rapid population boom.

Transformation into a Peaceful Tourist Destination

Following World War II, efforts were made to transform Okunoshima into a place of peace and reconciliation, starkly contrasting its wartime past. Promoting tourism on the island began in earnest in 1971, and various initiatives aimed to reshape the island’s identity. With the growing popularity of the rabbits, Okunoshima became known more for its adorable, hopping residents than for its grim history.

The rabbits on the island thrive due to the absence of natural predators and the steady stream of food tourists bring. Visitors are encouraged to feed the rabbits, and feeding stations scattered throughout the island provide pellets designed to ensure a healthy animal diet. However, visitors are also advised to avoid feeding them human snacks to protect their well-being.

A Symbol of Peace and Reconciliation

Today, Rabbit Island is both a haven for animal lovers and a reminder of the destructive past. The island’s rabbits are more than just an attraction—they symbolize Okunoshima’s transformation from a site of war and violence to one of peace, tranquility, and healing. Visitors can stroll along paths lined with curious and friendly rabbits. Still, they are also confronted with the ruins of the old ordinance factories, preserved as part of the island’s museum that tells the story of the chemical weapons production that once took place there.

For locals and historians, the island’s rabbits coexist with the island’s complex history, symbolizing a journey of healing. Residents of nearby towns still remember the wartime activities and the losses suffered during that period. Yet, the island’s transformation into a popular tourist spot and peaceful sanctuary has become a form of reconciliation, merging the past and present into a harmonious narrative.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Okunoshima’s evolution reflects how a place can undergo a profound transformation, reshaping its identity while preserving the memory of its past. The cheerful presence of rabbits, contrasted with the solemn remnants of war, creates a poignant and symbolic landscape. With their carefree demeanor, the rabbits are juxtaposed with the museum's historical accounts of the island’s role in producing deadly chemical agents.

This unique convergence of history and nature invites visitors to reflect while enjoying the island’s peaceful surroundings. The island offers an opportunity to marvel at the adorable rabbits and walk through a living symbol of transformation, resilience, and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Okunoshima, once a secret site for poison gas production during World War II, has transformed into a peaceful haven known for its thriving rabbit population. The island, now a popular tourist destination, serves as a memorial to its dark past and a sanctuary for its friendly residents. The rabbits, who roam freely across the island, have become ambassadors of the island’s new identity—one of peace, healing, and hope. As visitors feed and interact with these rabbits, they are also reminded of the island’s complex history, preserving a connection to the past while celebrating the transformations that have taken place.

References:

• Okunoshima Museum Archives
• "War and Reconciliation: The Transformation of Okunoshima," Journal of Japanese History, 2016.
• Interviews with residents of nearby towns, 2021