This Tsukunejima Island. A place often called “Rabbit Island”. But do you know why? Today, this unassuming island in the Seto Inland Sea is a haven for hundreds of fluffy rabbits. These rabbits are not native to Tsukunejima, though. Their presence is linked to a dark chapter in the island’s history, one that most visitors never realize. Tsukunejima Island, you see, harbors a secret. Before it became known as “Rabbit Island,” it was a top-secret military site. From 1929 to 1945, this very island was home to a poison gas factory. This factory played a key role in Japan’s chemical warfare efforts during World War II. The island was completely erased from maps to protect this secret.
After the war, the factory was dismantled. The island remained largely abandoned until it was developed into a park. The rabbits, some say, are descendants of test subjects used at the factory. Others believe they were introduced later as a way to attract visitors. Whatever their origin, the rabbits have thrived on Tsukunejima. They roam freely and have become quite tame, even approaching humans for treats.
Today, Tsukunejima Island stands as a testament to both the horrors of war and the healing power of nature. It’s a place where a dark past coexists with a heartwarming present.