Rabbit Island"

Japan is renowned for numerous reasons, yet there exists a particular destination within the country that evokes awe and fascination. This extraordinary place happens to be an island, famously known as Rabbit Island. Situated a mere 50 km from Hiroshima, this island is referred to as Usagi Shima in the local language, signifying "rabbit island." As one sets foot on this island encircled by the sea, an enchanting sight unfolds before their eyes - rabbits and hares abound in every direction.

Numerous theories have been proposed to explain the abundance of rabbits on Okunoshima Island. However, the most plausible theory suggests that these furry creatures were once utilized in gas plant research.

During research work at that time, toxic gas was used on rabbits and hares. Sometimes, horses were also subjected to experiments. When the enemy forces invaded the island, the hares were released on the island. Some say that after the closure of the factory there, the rabbits moved inside the island. The rabbits that moved inside from there are the ones we see today. Another opinion is that in 1971, some school children who came to visit the island released a few rabbits on the island. That's where so many rabbits were born.

Prior to the Russo-Japanese War, Okunoshima Island served as agricultural land. In order to bolster security during the war, Japan constructed ten forts on the island. Subsequently, the island has been exclusively utilized for military endeavors.

Approximately 80,000 people died due to the use of gas in this island during the war. In 1988, a museum was built here, where various equipment used to produce chemical weapons at that time is kept. It is believed that due to the closure of the factory, the remaining rabbit population has increased, resulting in the creation of today's Rabbit Island. However, for whatever reason, their current population is about one thousand. Tourists supply a large amount of food, so rabbits roam freely on this island. Since rabbits have a high reproductive capacity and there are no predatory animals on the island, they can reproduce at an uncontrolled rate. Rabbits are very agile creatures of the wilderness. They also have a desirable diet for predators. To survive danger, they have only one means of self-defense, and that is speed. As soon as they sense danger, they can quickly escape.