Does the sign "do not take rabbits off the island" apply for medical rescue?

sick baby rabbit with severe infection

2/14/26

Those who harbor animosity toward the medical rescue efforts on Okunoshima often cite the signs posted on the island.

It was a very long time ago that this particular sign was created by the Rabbit Committee.

At the time it was made, medical rescues were surely an unforeseen scenario.

In fact, because we took the wording of this sign at face value, we have effectively left many rabbits to die. I believe the instruction "Please do not take them off the island" was intended simply to address concerns regarding theft.

In 2024, I—along with others involved in medical rescues—contacted the Ministry of the Environment to discuss this matter. Their actual response was as follows:

Q: Is it allowed to take rabbits off the island for medical treatment?

A: It is not something that cannot be done.A: It is not impossible.

Q: Does the Ministry of the Environment consider it acceptable for rabbits to be taken off the island for treatment?

A: The Ministry of the Environment does not hold ownership rights over the rabbits; therefore, we cannot stop individuals from taking them.A: Taking them off the island does not constitute a violation of the Natural Parks Act.

I implore you to cease the slander and defamation directed at those taking action to save lives that can be saved.

The reason some people hesitate to undertake rescues—or choose to keep their rescue efforts private—is precisely because of the anonymous slander generated on social media.

The act of saving lives is by no means an easy undertaking. Yet, the number of sick and injured rabbits is so high—and their conditions so frequently severe—that we feel compelled to help them regardless of the difficulty.

Do people truly believe that Okunoshima is a peaceful paradise where the rabbits are happy, and that absolutely no improvements are needed?

I do not believe that those who profit from tourism centered around the rabbits of Okunoshima have any right to comment on—or debate the propriety of—the situation on the island.

I urge you to visit Okunoshima and take a good, hard look at the sick and injured rabbits there.

Once you have faced the reality that they receive absolutely no management or care, will you truly feel nothing when you look at them?

You can submit your feedback to Takehara City and the Ministry of the Environment via the link in @junkohiking profile in Instagram; Voice to Takehara CityVoice to the Ministry of the EnvironmentEmail address for MOE: REO-CHUSHIKOKU@env.go.jp