“A Place of Darkness and Light”: The Uninhabited Japanese Island That Became a Rabbit Paradise

Off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture lies a small island with a complicated past and an unexpectedly gentle present. Ōkunoshima, often called “Rabbit Island,” is today known for its hundreds of friendly, free-roaming rabbits that greet visitors with curiosity and calm. Yet beneath this peaceful image lies a history shaped by secrecy, war, and human suffering—a contrast that has earned the island its reputation as a place of both darkness and light.

An Island Once Erased From Maps

During the early 20th century, Ōkunoshima was deliberately removed from Japanese maps. The reason was grim: the island became a secret military facility used by the Imperial Japanese Army to manufacture chemical weapons, including poison gas, during World War II. Workers toiled in dangerous conditions, often without proper protection, and the weapons produced here caused immense suffering in China and elsewhere.

After the war, many of the buildings were destroyed, records were buried, and the island was largely abandoned. For decades, Ōkunoshima stood as a silent reminder of a chapter Japan preferred not to confront openly.

From Military Ruins to Natural Refuge

In the postwar years, the island slowly began to change. Forests reclaimed concrete ruins, and nature softened the harsh outlines of abandoned factories. Today, rusted structures remain scattered across the landscape, serving as quiet memorials rather than active sites.

At the same time, the island’s isolation and lack of predators created ideal conditions for wildlife. This transformation laid the groundwork for the island’s most famous residents—its rabbits.

How the Rabbits Came to Rule the Island

The exact origin of Ōkunoshima’s rabbit population remains debated. One theory suggests that rabbits were released by schoolchildren decades ago. Another claims they may have been linked to military experiments, though no definitive evidence supports that idea.

What is certain is that, over time, the rabbits multiplied rapidly. With no natural predators and regular feeding from tourists, they thrived. Today, hundreds of rabbits roam freely, approaching visitors without fear and lounging across paths, beaches, and grassy fields.

Tourism and Tenderness

Ōkunoshima is now a popular day-trip destination, particularly for travelers seeking something whimsical and unusual. Visitors arrive by ferry, often carrying bags of rabbit-safe food. The animals, accustomed to human presence, hop eagerly toward newcomers.

This interaction has become the island’s defining feature. Photos of rabbits silhouetted against the sea or resting beside ancient ruins circulate widely online, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a peaceful escape from urban life.

Yet local authorities regularly remind tourists to treat the animals with care. Overfeeding, inappropriate food, and rough handling can harm the rabbits, whose well-being depends on responsible human behavior.

Remembering the Darkness

Despite its charming exterior, Ōkunoshima does not erase its past. The Poison Gas Museum, located on the island, documents the chemical weapons program and its devastating consequences. Exhibits detail the suffering endured by victims and workers alike, emphasizing remembrance and accountability.

This coexistence of joy and sorrow defines the island’s emotional complexity. Visitors often describe a sense of reflection—playing with rabbits one moment, contemplating wartime atrocities the next.

Nature as a Healer

Ōkunoshima’s transformation illustrates how nature can reclaim and redefine spaces marked by human violence. The rabbits have not erased history, but they have softened it, creating an atmosphere that invites reflection rather than denial.

In this way, the island stands as a living metaphor. It shows how places burdened by dark legacies can evolve into symbols of peace without forgetting what came before.

Ethical Questions and Future Challenges

The island’s popularity also raises ethical concerns. Is it right to encourage tourism centered on animals in a fragile ecosystem? Can the rabbits’ health be sustained as visitor numbers grow?

Local officials and animal welfare groups continue to monitor the population, emphasizing education and conservation. Balancing tourism, remembrance, and animal welfare remains an ongoing challenge.

A Place of Contrast and Meaning

Ōkunoshima is more than a novelty destination. It is a space where history and healing coexist, where playful rabbits roam among ruins that whisper of past horrors.

For visitors, the island offers a rare opportunity: to experience joy without forgetting responsibility, to appreciate beauty while acknowledging pain. In that balance lies the true meaning of this place of darkness and light.