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Saki, who had massive abscess on his back 3/14/26 (Pictured: Rabbits on Okunoshima Island that have suffered from abscesses) Saki—a rabbit rescued on February 18, 2026, with a massive abscess on her back—bravely underwent treatment at the veterinary hospital for a month but passed away. Reflecting on Saki’s condition brings to mind the many other rabbits I have seen on Okunoshima Island over the years that were afflicted with abscesses. ( Unfortunately, Saki passed away despite her fight to survive) According to veterinarians, rabbit abscesses are entirely different from those found in dogs and cats; they constitute a far more serious medical issue. The thick, cheesy, white pus characteristic of these abscesses rarely drains naturally, even if the tough outer membrane ruptures; consequently, thorough flushing and the administration of antibiotics are absolutely essential. it is a troublesome condition that is difficult to cure completely, carries a high risk of recurrence, and can even metastasize to other parts of the body. I am told that the only definitive cure involves surgical removal of the entire abscess—including its encapsulating membrane—and that natural recovery is simply not possible.If left untreated, the bacteria will spread throughout the rabbit's entire system, eventually leading to death. When rabbits—creatures with a strong territorial instinct—are allowed to roam freely in such a manner, it is inevitable that fights will break out frequently. This remains true even when there is an ample supply of food.In the case of the rabbits on Okunoshima Island, the vast majority of abscesses found on the body—excluding the face and throat—are likely the result of bite wounds sustained during these altercations. Abscesses that form on the face or jaw, however, are typically caused by root infections resulting from dental malocclusion, or by bacterial infections such as Pasteurella. If left untreated, the infection can penetrate deep into the bone, leading to osteomyelitis.Now that I think about it, I have indeed seen many rabbits over the years with lumps beneath their jaws. At the time, it struck me as somewhat unnatural for an abscess to form in that specific location solely as a result of fighting. Many of the cases I once assumed were tumors may, in retrospect, have actually been abscesses—a condition I have evidently witnessed countless times. Given their often unbalanced diets, it is hardly surprising that the rabbits on Okunoshima Island frequently suffer from dental health issues. Some people argue that fighting is simply a natural occurrence among rabbits living in the wild and that it is therefore unavoidable; however, I do not share that view. The very presence of rabbits on Okunoshima is, in itself, neither natural nor organic. They are simply abandoned animals that have bred. Okunoshima, a designated national park, has become a tourist destination famous for its rabbits. Yet, within this tourist hotspot, the rabbits are left to fend for themselves without any care—subjected to conditions that amount to sheer neglect. There is not even a management system in place to provide medical attention should they fall ill or suffer injuries. They are treated merely as disposable props for tourism, left to die in vain. Even for Japan—a country often considered lacking in awareness regarding animal welfare—should such a situation truly be tolerated? If there is no intention to provide care, then a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program—involving spaying and neutering—should be implemented immediately. I firmly believe that this vicious cycle must be broken.

A rabbit with its left foot severed. 11/9/22 This is "Chop-chan" (some also called her "Ashisaki-chan," or "Little-Foot"), seen here at about two months old near the visitor center. She was a rabbit whose left foot had been cleanly severed—an injury that seemed too precise to be the result of a mere accident. Many people suspected abuse, wondering how such a wound could possibly occur. Unable to run like other rabbits, she dragged her leg along at an awkward, halting pace. Despite bearing this handicap, she persevered and even gave birth to offspring; she lived for a year and a half before ultimately being killed by crows.

7/19/26 Summer on Okunoshima is long and sweltering. The heat on this island in the Seto Inland Sea is truly tropical; the thermometer at the No. 2 Pier often registers a higher temperature than the official reading for Takehara City shown on an iPhone. Amidst this heat, the rabbits struggle desperately to survive. They try to cool off by digging into the ground and lying flat against the earth. They spend much of the day asleep, remaining motionless in the shade. Not a few rabbits succumb to heatstroke when the heat becomes too much for them to bear. When filling the water buckets placed in the shade all over the island, please also sprinkle water on the surrounding soil. This temporarily lowers the ground temperature, allowing the rabbits to lie flat on their bellies and cool off; whenever the shaded soil is watered, the rabbits invariably lie down on it. Please do whatever you can to help ease their suffering, even just a little, on this harsh island.

Severe infection on nose and right eye. She was totally ousted from other rabbits 5/15/26 Can the Rabbits Not Be Rescued Simply Because They Inhabit Country-Owned Land? During the trial concerning the mass slaughter of rabbits that took place a year ago, the official classification of the rabbits on Ohkunoshima Island was redefined—shifting from "invasive alien species" (their previous designation) to "protected animals." It was precisely because of this new classification that the perpetrator could be prosecuted and ultimately found guilty. However, recent discussions with the Ministry of the Environment have confirmed that—despite their status as "protected animals"—the fact remains that no individual or entity holds legal ownership over the rabbits. In other words, this implies that the Ministry of the Environment bears no responsibility for the lives of these animals. Frankly, I find it impossible to accept the logic that the Ministry—which is responsible for managing the national park where these rabbits reside—bears no responsibility for the very animals that serve as the park's primary tourist attraction, simply because it does not hold legal title to them. I believe the fundamental issue regarding Ohkunoshima lies in the fact that a significant number of local residents profit from the island's rabbits. Although the Ministry of the Environment is a government agency, it is unlikely to take any actions that would hinder local development. This "local development" centers on a tourism industry built around the rabbits of Ohkunoshima as its main attraction—specifically, the revenue generated by tourists who, having visited the island, subsequently spend money in the neighboring city of Takehara. Consequently, local residents strongly desire the continued survival of the Ohkunoshima rabbits. Without the rabbits, the stream of tourists visiting Ohkunoshima would likely dry up almost entirely. If tourists stopped coming, the city of Takehara would lose the revenue associated with its tourism sector. Given that there are few other attractions in Takehara city capable of drawing visitors, the region is, in essence, entirely beholden to the rabbits. The fact that Ohkunoshima is designated as a national park also serves as an impediment to resolving this issue. I have been aware for years of the Ministry of the Environment's stance—namely, that they do not wish for rabbits to inhabit the island. Consequently, the very act of establishing specific rules regarding feeding would appear to contradict the Ministry's underlying desire that visitors refrain from feeding the rabbits altogether. Indeed, were one to contact the Ministry today to inquire about feeding, the response would almost certainly be that they would prefer visitors not to feed the island's rabbits, if at all possible. Above all, the Ministry lacks the authority to impose legally binding restrictions on tourists. I was informed that the signs posted around the island are not "Ministry of the Environment signs," but rather signs created by the "Ohkunoshima Future Creation Committee." These signs, I was told, serve strictly as "requests" and carry no authority for mandatory enforcement. Furthermore, it was fully acknowledged that there are inherent limitations to relying solely on signage and public awareness campaigns to curb undesirable behavior among tourists. While Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) appears to be the necessary approach for controlling the island's rabbit population, the Ministry did not express an outright negative view on this matter; rather, it appears there remains room for future discussion and consideration regarding this specific point. Is it not morally wrong to indirectly condone the literal sacrifice of the rabbits on Ohkunoshima simply because doing so would result in a loss of revenue for the city of Takehara? I find the explanation—that the current status quo cannot be altered because the island is a national park—wholly unconvincing, particularly when the sole justification for maintaining it seems to be the enjoyment of tourists. While it is argued that private land would allow for various restrictions that are impossible within a national park, I strongly feel that such limitations are not immutable; surely, it would be entirely possible to modify definitions or establish exceptions if the will to do so existed. If things remain as they are, absolutely nothing will change. We must raise our voices louder; otherwise, not only will the rabbits of Ohkunoshima continue to suffer a pitiful fate, but Japan—with its current lack of sensitivity toward animal welfare—will inevitably become a target of international condemnation. Regarding the rescueof sick or injured rabbits from the island, there has been no change in Ministry position since our last update (July 2024). As the Ministry of the Environment does not hold legal ownership of the rabbits, they are unable to legally prohibit their removal; consequently, we have informed them that our rescue group will continue to carry out necessary rescue operations moving forward.

Injured rabbit after fight I was looking back at photos of the rabbits on Ohkunoshima—going through thousands of them, one by one. So many rabbits that hold special memories for me appeared . As various memories came flooding back, I found myself unable to hold back the tears. That one died, too. And this one. Every time I returned to the island, there were rabbits I would never see again—precious lives I can now only behold in photographs. A rabbit with a sprained leg. One whose eyes were nearly sealed shut with white discharge. Another struggling to breathe with a blocked nose. Spending so much time on the island meant we encountered far too many sick or injured rabbits. When I first started visiting the island, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't wait for my next visit. The more rabbits there were, the happier I felt. Feeding them was fun, too. But what about now? Now that I know the reality of the island, all I feel is a surge of anger—anger at the fact that I couldn't save them, and at the situation that remains completely unchanged. That overwhelming feeling inevitably washes over me whenever I look back at these photos. There was an instance where, as a dead rabbit was being placed in a box and the lid was about to be closed, its partner tried to climb inside. Never had I experienced a moment that tore at my heart quite like that. Rabbits enduring the pain of injuries, or those lying motionless due to illness—I just want a system established to help such little ones without hesitation. That is all I ask for.

severe injury on right side of her face 6/25/26 First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the veterinarian and staff who provided medical care for Kinatsu, the critically ill young rabbit. Please be advised that the photos starting from the third image are distressing and graphic; please view them with caution. Some of you may be considering reporting this situation. However, this is a reality stemming from the fact that humans fail to properly care for these rabbits—using them for tourism and treating them as disposable—so I ask that you please refrain from reporting this lightly. We are raising this issue in the hope of finding a way to eliminate or at least reduce the number of rabbits suffering in this manner. I ask everyone to please empathize with the pain and suffering of the island rabbits exploited for human entertainment. We appreciate your understanding. When I emailed the attending veterinarian around 10:00 PM the day before yesterday (the 23rd), I was informed that the little rabbit had passed away moments earlier, slipping away peacefully as if falling asleep. Even after evening consultations had ended, the vet kept a close watch on her, ensuring above all else that she would not suffer in pain while alone. Hearing that the vet was there with her at the very end was heartbreaking, yet knowing she departed while being watched over by a medical professional made me feel that her life was treated with dignity; that thought became my only source of solace. Even after she arrived in Kobe from Hiroshima on the 23rd and we prepared to treat her, it was immediately apparent that her condition was critical. From the moment the vet examined her, we saw that tissue from her cheek—or somewhere on her face—had sloughed off, and a mass of maggots was teeming inside the detached fragment. @tokidokitabini, who had rescued her before she was transported to us, had already noticed this and brought the fragment along; seeing it made me realize—even as a layperson—just how severe her condition was, and I was overcome with anxiety. Before being rescued, the rabbit had already been chased by other rabbits and was reportedly in a very weakened state; yet, even then, it was trying hard to eat on its own. Learning that rabbits desperately try to act energetic to avoid showing any signs of weakness—even in such a condition—filled me with such pity; I was deeply moved by its brave, spirited nature, which made its plight seem all the more heartbreaking. A few hours later, the veterinarian contacted me via email. They explained that—while the exact origin of the initial wound near the ear was unclear—it had become infected and festered; the resulting odor had attracted flies that laid eggs in the wound, leading to an infestation of countless maggots of various sizes that were devouring the tissue. The maggots had burrowed not only into the right side of the face where the wound began but also deep into the neck muscles, exposing blood vessels and bone; the vet noted that it was impossible to determine exactly how much of the internal organs had already been consumed. The nurse treating the animal remarked that no matter how many maggots were removed during the disinfection process, more kept emerging from within the body. I realized that the peculiar odor present since the initial examination was the smell of the body being destroyed and rotting from the inside out by countless maggots while the animal was still alive. By then, 90% of the skin and tissue surrounding the affected area had already been lost. I was informed that the chances of survival were extremely slim and that regenerating the necrotic skin and muscle was not feasible. After being told the animal likely had only three days left to live, I returned to the hospital. When I visited again, the animal was in such a critical state that even drawing blood was impossible, and it could no longer stand. I trembled with an anger that had nowhere to go. All I could do was feel furious at my own helplessness... The only thing I could do was stroke this tiny body—wasting away while still alive— hoping with all my heart to spare it any further suffering. I felt strongly that it is wrong to use rabbits in this way for human entertainment. Had it been found just two weeks earlier—before the maggots hatched—it might have been saved. I cannot fathom the agony of living while being eaten alive by maggots. I cannot even imagine the pain endured by Kiki-chan—who survived despite having her face trampled and her eardrums crushed along with the surrounding bone. I feel nothing but intense indignation at the reality of her being left to such a fate. Had she been rescued during the winter, she might have survived. I have learned that a delay in rescue during this season condemns an animal to a life of being consumed by maggots, and I have witnessed firsthand just how excruciating that suffering is. I cannot help but feel that Kinatsu-chan appeared before us specifically to convey this message. @tokidokitabini, who rescued her out of a desperate desire to save her, has also been deeply shocked by the situation. Whenever we seek medical care for the island's rabbits, we invariably find their conditions to be far more severe than anticipated; these rabbits have risked their very lives to teach us that the notion of "Island Kid Power"—an idea that they are somehow naturally resilient—is simply a myth. I wanted to share this reality with all of you, which is why I have posted these images. If a young rabbit—at an age when it would naturally be at its most adorable—sustains an injury for any reason, it becomes an animal of no use to tourism; ignored by everyone, it is left with no choice but to suffer from loneliness and starvation until it dies. ⁡ I intend to write a letter to the Mayor of Takehara City to make him aware of this reality. My sincere hope is not to cast blame, but simply to ensure that the facts are known.

Devastating injury on right face of young rabbit, Kinatsu Type of severe injury you can barely watch 6/25/26 What is it like to be eaten alive by maggots? How did the this only 1kg rabbit who just passed away get injured? Suffering from such severe facial injuries—come to be in this state? The wounds were extensive, covering the area near the ear and extending to the eye, which appeared completely destroyed. The damage was too widespread to have been caused by a single bite. It couldn't have been a crow; crows don't attack in such a half-hearted manner. That leaves only one conclusion: these injuries were the result of repeated attacks by another rabbit. It is easy to imagine how quickly flies would swarm once a wound occurred. The island is already hot, and the humidity is intense. I do not know exactly when the injury happened, but once flies lay their eggs, they develop into adult flies within a week. This suggests that the rabbit must have reached this state quite recently. This life undoubtedly could have been saved had it been rescued sooner. Once again... it was too late... Regardless of the cause of the injury, shouldn't humans bear responsibility, given that this occurred on a man-made "Rabbit Island"? How many rabbits will lose their lives this summer?

sick baby rabbit 6/20/26 I cannot help but feel conflicted whenever I see social media posts about Okunoshima featuring cute photos of rabbits and captions about how adorable and soothing they are. I can imagine that for first-time visitors or those who have only been a few times, such posts stem from a lack of deep understanding; they are simply tourists who do not know the island's true situation. But what about those who visit regularly and post content that portrays the island's situation in a positive light? They are well aware of the reality on Okunoshima. I suppose they have their own motives, and some of their posts hint at complex underlying feelings. I do not believe that secretly rescuing sick or injured rabbits serves to confront society with the island's problems. Such actions are likely to be viewed as nothing more than theft; while it may benefit the rescued rabbit, the impact ends there. If one truly wants to bring the issue to public attention, I believe it is necessary to go public with the rescue and openly expose the problem of abandoned rabbits on Okunoshima. It is unlikely that the government will step in to protect the rabbits. There is no budget for it, and the actual tourism revenue generated by visitors to Okunoshima remains unclear. Aside from the Omishima Ferry and the Kure Line—both of which have faced rumors of discontinuation—or the gift shop at Tadanoumi Port, there appear to be no entities reaping significant profits. Nor does it seem that the citizens of Takehara City are benefiting in any tangible way. Is it right to assume that simply providing food and water ensures the rabbits live happy lives? Sadly, no matter how much food and water is provided, what is actually done for a rabbit when it falls ill or suffers an injury? Turning a blind eye to the issues facing Okunoshima is tantamount to betraying your favorite rabbit.

Lives of baby rabbits are too fragile Lone baby rabbit ultimately died of starvation 6/17/26 A common sight on Okunoshima is tourists picking up baby rabbits to take photos. These defenseless little rabbits are easily lifted and handled however the tourists please. The tourists give no thought to how such actions might affect the rabbits' futures; because the island is a place where no one is reprimanded for their behavior, these unacceptable practices run rampant. The rabbit in the photos and video was one that had been rejected by its peers. Even though it repeatedly tried to join the others to eat, the adult rabbits would not allow it, leaving it to live in isolation. This particular rabbit was picked up by a tourist who intended to carry it to another area to show their family; however, after being warned, the tourist placed the rabbit back on the ground. When tourists pick up a rabbit, the animal often struggles, leading the tourist to accidentally drop it. A significant number of rabbits suffer fractures in this way; past rescue cases have included instances where amputation was necessary due to such injuries. Even if a fracture is avoided, moving the rabbit to a different location presents further issues. The island is home to countless territories, none of which are particularly large. When a rabbit is carried and set down elsewhere, it is often placed outside its own territory. Being set down in unfamiliar territory frequently leads to attacks by other rabbits—a matter of life and death for the animal. Incidentally, this rabbit struggled to find food and was soon found dead.

5/31/26 I heard that a rather large typhoon is expected to hit around June 2nd or 3rd. Okunoshima often lies directly in the path of typhoons; whenever one strikes, it typically brings torrential rains and causes tree branches to snap and fall. Next week, the Kyukamura Hotel will be closed for a five-day maintenance period. With no guests staying on the island, these days will definitely be a big challenge for the rabbits. While the heavy rainfall ensures there is no need to worry about water supplies, the question remains: will there be enough food to go around? Since the rain causes the grass and vegetation on the ground to grow rapidly, perhaps that will serve as a supplemental food source? When the weather turns bad, the number of visitors to the island drops drastically. Furthermore, since the Kyukamura’s own passenger boats do not operate during this period, the island is accessible only via the public ferry service if not interrupted by weather. When the rain and wind become severe, the rabbits seek shelter wherever they can find it—often making them incredibly difficult to spot. The attached photos were taken during past typhoon seasons. At those times, the island was virtually deserted; although there were a few hotel guests staying over, very few people ventured outside. For these rabbits—who live without any direct human supervision—this environment is far from ideal. This is the harsh reality of Okunoshima.

This rabbit died right in front of our eyes 5/17/26 What exactly are the rabbits of Ohkunoshima? They are not wild rabbits. Rather, they are domesticated rabbits that have reverted to a feral state. Nor are they the native hares that naturally inhabit mountainous regions. Ohkunoshima offers virtually none of the food sources that rabbits would typically consume in the wild. As for water, the only naturally available supply they can rely on is rainwater. Were it not for human intervention—reaching out to lend a helping hand—they would undoubtedly be unable to survive. It would be misguided to view their suffering—whether falling ill, sustaining injuries, or falling prey to natural predators—as simply the natural order of things. These rabbits are the descendants of animals abandoned by humans; they are not creatures that originally existed in this natural environment. They are rabbits whose very existence is sustained by human self-interest—rabbits who have endured decades of sacrifice. If you view the rabbits of Okunoshima as wild animals, then you must stop providing them with food and water—starting today. Only then does the argument that "nature should be left to take its course"—or that "we should not intervene with the rabbits"—hold any validity. This is precisely the stance taken by the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry's fatal error, however, was failing to prevent the city of Takehara and the Kyukamura resort from actively promoting tourism. To provide food and water only halfway—and then turn a blind eye when the animals fall ill or get injured—is an act of human egoism. This is all the more reprehensible given that the rabbits are being exploited as tools for tourism. It seems to me that we are left with only two choices: either provide full care—including food, water, and medical treatment—and allow them to inhabit the island under our supervision; or treat them as truly wild animals, providing neither food nor water, and refrain from any form of intervention whatsoever.

typical sick rabbit with eye infection 5/16/26 I want you to understand this: Why is the neglect of the rabbits on Okunoshima Island such a serious problem? There is a concept known as "wildlife tourism"—quite literally, tourism centered around wild animals. As the World Animal Protection organization has noted, for wildlife tourism to be truly sustainable, the conservation and welfare of the animals must take precedence over mere human entertainment. The rabbits of Okunoshima exist in an environment inferior even to that of a petting zoo—devoid of keepers or overseers—making the island, in reality, a tourist destination characterized by animal cruelty and pure exploitation. When viewed through the proper lens of how wildlife tourism ought to be conducted, it would come as no surprise if the situation on Okunoshima were to be deemed unacceptable and forced to cease immediately. Those who defend the current state of Okunoshima—or who have no desire to see it improved—fall into specific categories: those who derive economic benefit from the rabbits' presence on the island; those who visit regularly, seeking emotional solace in the animals; and tourists who view Okunoshima simply as an affordable destination for a family outing. The vast majority of these individuals believe that the rabbits are living happily on the island, remaining completely unaware that, once the visitors have departed, the rabbits are left to die. After the tourists have enjoyed their day of leisure, countless rabbits are left to suffer from injuries or disease, bringing their short lives to a premature end. This vicious cycle has persisted for decades. Anyone who has ever kept a rabbit as a pet should be able to fully grasp just how cruel a life it is for these animals—a life lived entirely without care or protection. The environment on Okunoshima is far from being a suitable habitat for rabbits. There is scarcely any vegetation for them to eat, and water sources are all but nonexistent. The summers are long and hot. The winters can bring snow and are cold enough to cause a decline in tourist numbers. Moreover, it amounts to the ultimate form of outdoor confinement. If Okunoshima is to be promoted as a tourist destination centered on rabbits, a commensurate level of responsibility must be upheld for the sake of the animals.