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Okunoshima: The Fascinating Rabbit Island of Japan

Did you know there’s a special island in Japan called Rabbit Island? It’s officially known as Okunoshima, and it’s famous for its abundance of rabbits. This small island is located between Hiroshima and Shikoku in the Sea of Japan.

Back in history, from 1929 to 1945, Okunoshima served as a weapons depot for the Japanese army. But it wasn’t ordinary weapons like guns or tanks that were stored there. Instead, it was a secret location for storing gas and chemical substances used in warfare. Because of its secretive nature, the island was erased from Japanese maps, and public access was restricted.

After World War II, the dangerous chemicals were disposed of by burning and burying them, but the island’s history remained largely hidden from the public eye. Due to the presence of harmful gases in the air, people were not allowed to visit the island for many years.

However, in 1971, a significant event occurred when a group of school students visited the island and left behind eight rabbits they had brought with them. From that point on, the rabbit population on the island began to multiply rapidly.

With no natural predators or hunters on the island, the rabbits were free to roam and multiply without fear. As their numbers grew, the island became known as “Usagi Shima,” which means “Rabbit Island” in Japanese.

Today, Rabbit Island attracts many tourists who come to witness the unique sight of countless rabbits hopping around freely. The island, covering an area of seven million square meters, has become a haven for these adorable creatures.

Tourists from all over the world visit Okunoshima to see the rabbits up close and enjoy their playful antics. It’s a truly remarkable sight to see so many rabbits living in harmony on this once-secretive island.

Rabbit Island, or Okunoshima, is a fascinating destination in Japan known for its large population of rabbits. Despite its dark past as a weapons depot, the island has transformed into a haven for these adorable creatures, attracting tourists who come to witness this extraordinary sight.

February 9, 2024
72-million-year-old Ancient Sea Monster “Blue Dragon” Found in Japan!

Scientists in Japan have made a remarkable discovery, unearthing the near-complete remains of a colossal sea creature that dominated the ancient Pacific Ocean. This incredible find has been named the “blue dragon” due to its unique characteristics, setting it apart from any other aquatic animal, past or present.

The exceptional fossils, estimated to be around 72 million years old, were found along the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture on Honshu Island. They belong to a previously undiscovered species of mosasaur, a group of air-breathing aquatic reptiles that were apex predators during the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). This discovery is considered the most complete set of mosasaur fossils ever found in Japan and the northwest Pacific.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, researchers introduced the new species as Megapterygius wakayamaensis. The name “Megapterygius” translates to “large-winged,” referencing its unusually large rear flippers, and “wakayamaensis” honors the prefecture where it was discovered. To add a touch of mythology, the researchers affectionately nicknamed the creature the “Wakayama Soryu,” with “soryu” meaning a blue-colored aquatic dragon in Japanese folklore.

Mosasaurs typically share a similar body plan, with minimal variation among species. However, Megapterygius wakayamaensis stands out as an outlier, surprising scientists with its unique features.

The creature had a dolphin-like torso, four paddle-like flippers, an alligator-shaped snout, and a long tail—typical features of mosasaurs. What makes it extraordinary is the presence of a dorsal fin, similar to those found in sharks or dolphins, a feature not observed in other mosasaur species.

The most puzzling aspect for researchers was the size of the creature’s rear flippers, which were unexpectedly longer than the front flippers. This characteristic is extremely rare among all living and extinct aquatic species, challenging our understanding of aquatic anatomy.

Unlike most swimming animals, which have larger flippers at the front for efficient steering, Megapterygius wakayamaensis had an unconventional body structure. The researchers speculate that instead of using the longer rear flippers for steering, the creature angled them upward or downward, possibly for quick dives or ascents through the water column. The dorsal fin might have assisted in turning, compensating for the extra drag caused by the extended rear flippers.

December 22, 2023
Hidden Lives of Vanishing: Understanding Reasons Behind Japan’s Disappearing Culture

Japan is a country renowned for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Among the many aspects that distinguish it from the rest of the world, there exists a curious phenomenon: the ability of individuals to vanish from society almost without a trace. Approximately 80,000 people disappear in Japan each year, a trend that continued in 2022 with around 85,000 individuals vanishing inexplicably.

The reasons behind these disappearances are as diverse as the people who choose to embark on this path. For some, it’s an escape from the relentless pressures of life, a means to detach from the harsh realities that weigh them down. The factors driving individuals to disappear range from boredom, loveless relationships, crippling debt, strained family dynamics, troubled friendships, and even the specter of outstanding bank loans. In the wake of Japan’s economic downturn in the 90s, a culture of escape evolved as a response to widespread job loss and unemployment, fostering an environment where vanishing became a way of coping.

Japan’s culture, with its deep respect for personal privacy and individualism, provides fertile ground for those seeking to disappear. The Japanese social system values personal autonomy, and as a result, it does not overly intrude into the lives of its citizens. This hands-off approach by authorities enables individuals to vanish without facing immediate scrutiny or interference from the police. Unless these individuals are involved in criminal activities, law enforcement tends to leave them be.

For those contemplating vanishing, there are organizations in Japan that specialize in facilitating this elusive escape. These groups provide support in the form of accommodation and employment opportunities in new, secluded locations, where individuals can begin anew under a shroud of secrecy. Some disappear without even granting their spouses a divorce, adding to the complexity of their hidden lives.

The ability to withdraw money from ATM booths without revealing one’s identity is a key element of this disappearing act. In Japan, personal financial privacy is stringently protected, allowing individuals to access their funds without raising suspicion. This financial independence further empowers those seeking to escape the rigors of society.

Despite the apparent ease with which people can disappear in Japan, it’s essential to remember that the reasons behind each disappearance are deeply personal and often rooted in profound challenges and conflicts. While this phenomenon may appear perplexing from the outside, it reflects the intricate interplay of Japan’s unique cultural values, social systems, and individual motivations.

September 3, 2023
The Oldest Hotel in the World: A Historical Gem in Japan

In a remarkable feat of endurance, a hotel that stands as a testament to time was officially recognized in 2011 as the oldest hotel in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. For over thirteen centuries, this magnificent establishment has attracted tourists seeking both leisure and an immersive experience within its historical walls.

Originally constructed in 705 by Fujiora Mahito, a member of the Japanese royal family, this charming inn transformed into a favored destination for visitors captivated by the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

The allure of the hotel continued to grow, drawing a steady stream of tourists. Eventually, even Japan’s wealthy elite and the emperor himself were enticed to retreat within its welcoming embrace.

Resplendent and steadfast, the Nishiyama Onsen Kyonkan Hotel remains a symbol of grandeur. Nestled alongside a picturesque river, the hotel’s appeal is amplified by the scenic surroundings.

Towering mountains, dense forests, and wild bushes adorn the landscape, their appearance shifting with the ebb and flow of seasons, captivating the eyes and hearts of visitors with a symphony of vibrant hues.

Although the hotel underwent renovation in 1997, introducing modern facilities such as a hot spring bath, meditation room, and updated guest areas, much of its original charm and essence have been meticulously preserved. The passage of time has been kind to the hotel, allowing guests to revel in the ambiance cherished by its predecessors.

With a remarkable lineage spanning 52 generations, the management of this historic hotel has been passed down through the ages. Each new custodian has embraced the responsibility of upholding the legacy while overseeing multiple renovations to adapt to changing times.

Today, tourists from all corners of the globe continue to flock to this extraordinary establishment, seeking solace, relaxation, and a glimpse into the annals of history. As the oldest hotel in the world, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Japan’s rich heritage and the timeless enchantment of a bygone era.

July 9, 2023