The World’s “Happiest Cat Paradise” – One Person on Enoshima Raises Seven Stray Cats
▲ On the lesser-known “cat island” of Enoshima, chubby cats can be spotted everywhere.
Reporter You tru / Reported and photographed in Japan
“Mii-chan, Mii-chan!” Upon arriving at Enoshima, just an hour from Tokyo, you’ll easily hear such calls along the roadside. This lesser-known “cat island,” Enoshima, is a place where chubby cats lazily lounge on roadsides—by shrines, monuments, under eaves, and in the grass. Occasionally, when tourists raise their cameras to take photos, the cats nonchalantly approach, engaging in intimate interactions with strangers.
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Located in the suburbs of Tokyo, Enoshima borders the Shonan Coast, made famous as the filming location for the manga “Slam Dunk.” The entire island exudes a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. Whether driving or cycling from the Shonan Coast to Enoshima, visitors will see people leisurely enjoying their holidays with surfboards or bicycles. As soon as you step onto Enoshima, coconut trees, seaside cafes, and pizza shops unfold along the coastal road, almost making you feel like you've arrived at the coast of California, USA.
Aside from the relaxing vibe that draws people in, Enoshima is also known locally as “Cat Island.” The formation of this lesser-known “cat island” is not only due to the residents’ love and care for cats, but also because many abandoned stray cats have found their way here. “People have been ‘dumping cats’ on this island for over 30 years,” says Ms. Sano, a 35-year-old who grew up along the Shonan Coast. “On Enoshima, you’ll see that the cats are all chubby—that’s because the local residents help take care of them.”
▲ %The coastal road near the sea, with coffee shops and pizzerias lining the way, evokes the feeling of another coastline—the beaches of California, USA.
Ever since stray cats began appearing on Enoshima years ago, the residents have taken great care to feed them gently. As a result, more and more people have learned that the island’s residents can properly care for these “stray cats,” leading many to abandon their cats here. “Enoshima currently has 430 residents, but the number of cats has surpassed the human population,” says Ms. Sano. On Enoshima, it’s not uncommon for one household to care for 7–8 cats. Beyond home care, when residents spot a cat anywhere on the island, they often name it and tend to it carefully. That’s why, upon arriving on the island, it’s easy to hear local children calling out, “Mii-chan, Mii-chan!” The cats by the roadside show no fear of humans and often snuggle up affectionately in children’s arms.
▲ It’s easy to hear local children calling out, “Mii-chan, Mii-chan!” and the roadside cats show no fear of humans.
▲ Enoshima residents have been gently feeding stray cats ever since they first appeared on the island.
“You could say this is Japan’s happiest cat island—every cat here is truly content,” says a local. All the cats on the island have now been taken in by residents and neutered. There’s even a cat care team that regularly monitors each feline. Still, when speaking about the bittersweet reality of how much the residents love and care for the cats, Ms. Sano can’t hide her wistfulness: “The cats on Enoshima are healthy and beautiful. The only concern is that more and more people are abandoning their cats here, knowing that there are people who will take care of them.”
▲ Islanders softly call out, “Mii-chan,” but as soon as they notice our presence as strangers, the approaching cat runs off.
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