
We took a trip to Ainoshima, a paradise for cats and cat lovers alike. Come take a look at some of its feline residents just doing what they do.
Nearly six kilometers (about 3.5 miles) off the coast of Fukuoka Prefecture, in the Kanmon Straits between Japan’s Islands of Honshu and Kyushu, sits a little island remote island called Ainoshima. You may remember we mentioned Ainoshima back in a post covering 11 of Japan’s famous “Cat Islands”, and if you’re a cat lover, this little speck of land is nothing short of paradise.
The cats who call the island home seem to enjoy their relaxed and carefree lifestyle, as evidenced by these photographs taken by our Japanese-language writer Takashi on a recent excursion to the island. Without further ado, here are 20 photos of cats that Takashi ran into on Ainoshima.
1. This guy with no shame
Cats generally take their hygiene quite seriously, but while they may care about dirt and smells on their beautiful coats, they really don’t care who’s watching when they clean their nether-regions.
2. This guy sunbathing and grooming
Like we said, cats are clean creatures.
3. This guy, just chillaxin’
If they’re not grooming, you can bet that they’ll be napping.
4. This guy with an attitude
There’s no question about it- cats have a lot of sass!
5. This guy lying wherever he pleases
Because when you have a whole island to yourself, don’t nobody tell you what to do!
6. This loaf of cat bread
7. This other guy chillaxin’
8. This snoozing/grooming
Cats are also good multi-taskers, if you didn’t know.
9. This wise cat, just taking it all in
10. This guy having a sleepy snack break
Like we said, multi-tasking.
11. The oft-seen cat log
12. This guy taking a nap
Any time and any place is perfect for a cat nap.
13. This other guy taking a nap
14. This guy looking as regal as ever
Cats have a lot of dignity to uphold, and this one is no exception.
15. These guys, who solemnly swear they are up to no good
16. This guy with the sweetest sleepy face
Cats are adorable anyway, but sleeping cats? Precious.
17. This guy, nibbling some greens
Have a plant in your home? If you have a cat, not anymore.
18. This guy, totally zonked out
Being a cat is hard work!
19. This guy, completely out too
Really hard work…
20. This guy, also with no shame
These cats do share the island with fellow human residents, but there’s no question as to who really runs the place!
Images ©RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]




















Ed Sheeran invited to visit cat island in Japan with video from Japanese town
Japan’s “cat island” Aoshima is being overwhelmed by tourists
Japanese cat island reveals all its cats will soon be gone
How to visit the cats of Jogashima Island Park on a “Tuna Ticket” from Tokyo
Japan’s most famous cat island moving towards plan to spay, neuter all of its kitty inhabitants
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Gundam’s Char Aznable normal suit becomes roomwear for doing normal stuff in the real world [Pics]
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Aoshima Island has 100 cats, and we photographed almost all of them
Creating a cat island – Japanese organization plans to buy island turn it into kitty paradise
Is Japan’s Cat Island in danger of turning into the Island of Fat Cats?
Japan Travel: Exploring Manabeshima cat island
These cats caught napping in the cutest ways will brighten your day【Photos】
Cute twin cats lavishing love on each other is the sweetest thing you’ll see today【Pics & Videos】
Japanese cat becomes blanket, warms sleeping baby’s tummy and our hearts 【Photos】
Japanese netizen travels Japan, takes photos of the country’s many (many) awesome cats【Pics】
Small children have magnetic “cat-attracting” ability, adorable photos from Japan show
Curious cats are scared of vacuum cleaner, but brave enough to take an adorable peek 【Pics】
Style your hair like a cat with kitty saliva hair gel from Japan
Japan’s Rabbit Island – Yes, it really does exist
Fighting like cats and dogs? Not these cute little guys! 【Photos】