Who says rabbit fights are inspiring?

3/6/26

— "It’s so moving to see how resilient wild rabbits are—surviving even after fierce fights and injuries."— "I’m deeply moved by the lively spirit of the rabbits on Okunoshima."— "The rabbits on Okunoshima are by no means pitiful creatures."

These are words frequently uttered by people who truly do not understand the reality of Okunoshima.

Rabbits that sustain injuries in fierce fights often lose their lives. Day viisitors who catch a glimpse of these injured animals rarely give a second thought to the fact that those very rabbits may die shortly thereafter.

I would like someone to explain to me: what exactly is there to be "moved" by when watching these animals inflict injuries upon one another?

It is true that there are times when they appear lively and full of energy. However, a happy and peaceful existence is by no means guaranteed for them; for many, their short lives come to a premature end.

I will say it again and again: the rabbits of Okunoshima are nothing more than a population of domestic rabbits—abandoned by humans—that subsequently bred uncontrollably.

Why are their lives so short? It is because they face a ceaseless array of dangers: harsh weather conditions, violent fights among themselves, accidents involving being stepped on during feeding times, and injuries sustained when dropped after being picked up by visitors. In such densely populated areas, diseases like Pasteurella spread like wildfire.

I sense that the vast majority of people who visit the island have, from the very start, simply resigned themselves to the fate of the Okunoshima rabbits—viewing their suffering as something "unavoidable."I understand that providing aid can be difficult.

However, when it comes to the fragile lives of these rabbits, I implore you not to make excuses or settle for compromise simply because they happen to be the rabbits of Okunoshima.

I believe we must appeal to the Ministry of the Environment—urging them to intervene, change the current situation, and establish an environment where these rabbits can truly live happy and safe lives.

Please do not forget this: even when the rabbits of Okunoshima fall ill or sustain injuries,

there is absolutely no one there to provide them with care.