Tashirojima

Tashirojima (Japanese: 田代島) is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the north of Aji Island. The population was around 80 people in 2015, compared to around 1,000 in the 1950s. It has become known as "Cat Island" owing to its large stray cat population, which thrives due to the local belief that feeding cats brings wealth and good fortune. The cat population exceeds the human population on the island and pet dogs are not allowed. The island is divided into two villages/ports, Oodomari and Nitoda. Aji Island previously belonged to the town of Oshika, while Tashirojima was part of Ishinomaki. In April 2005, Oshika merged with Ishinomaki, so both islands are now part of the city. Since 83% of the population was classified as elderly, the villages have been designated a "terminal village" (限界集落, genkai-shūraku), meaning that the survival of the village is threatened. Most residents work in fishing or hospitality. The island is also known as Manga Island, as manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori had planned to move there shortly before his death. The island features manga-themed lodges designed to resemble cats.

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