Stories About "Tashiro" : Island Cats in Japan

VILLAGE Tashiro known in Japan as the 'Island of Cats'. But now residents are mostly elderly expect anything else which is the arrival of new residents. Inhabited by 100 residents, averaging over 70 years, Tashiro community expect the cat can be a magnet in the campaign draws tourists and ultimately increase the number of inhabitants of the village.

"This village does look so peaceful. But if there is fire, no one could help us. I hope many young people move here. In Tashiro many residents who want to teach them how to catch fish," said Yutaka Hama, 49, as the head Tashiro tourism promotion agency.

Hama moved to Tashiro several years ago and is now also making a living as the manager of lodging and fishing. His wife, Aiko, is the youngest women in her village at the age of 37 years. Besides Aiko, Tashiro most women are aged over 60 years.

Tashiro unoccupied for a dog. In addition, the views are commonly seen in modern cities in Japan, is also absent. Call it like department stores, traffic lights until the children. Human population there has declined tenfold since 1960, since many residents move to another city.

But a few years ago, Tashiro became famous as the 'Island of Cats'. At that time a television station to make a show about Jack the Lop Ear, male cat black and white stripes. Now Jack is the main attraction in town. His movements are slow compared to other cats even make a high popularity.

"I was so happy to see Jack. After retiring, I want to stay here alone," said Shiho Amano, 18, who loves cats. Amano specifically came from Nagoya to Tashiro to see a photo exhibition held tourism promotion agency. His cell phone was full of pictures of famous cats.

Jack was not the first cat who became a national idol in Japan. Not also the first able to bring luck to a region. Last year a cat named Tama was appointed "leaders" Kinokawa train station in Wakayama prefecture.

A hat was the station chief, was given to the cat. The presence of Tama, make tourists come to town.

The fishermen Tashiro often give fish to the cat, the cat's presence to be easily detected on the island covering an area of ​​3.14 square kilometers and is located 20 kilometers from the port of Ishinomaki in northern Japan.

The ferry connecting the island is usually only carry 10-20 passengers per day after the summer. But since last September, that number has doubled in a normal day, and more than tripled over the weekend.


"We see more and more that come with a camera and food, instead of a fishing pole," said an employee of the ferry Ajishima. He added that the tourists keep coming despite the imminent winter.

sumber: http://jelajahunik.blogspot.com/2010/09/tashiro-satu-satunya-pulau-di-jepang.html