Cats from a Japanese cat island give their best performance in a music video designed to lure the famous musician to their shores.

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has made no secret of his love for Japan, and during a visit to the country two years ago, he also let everyone know about his love for cats, after he sang in front of a group of frightened felines at a local cat cafe and looked like a delighted kid when he received an automated cat bank during a radio interview.

Take a look at Sheeran with some of Japan’s cats in the clip below:

Despite some of the animals darting for cover at the cat cafe, it seems Sheeran has a whole other feline fanbase waiting for him on the island of Ainoshima, located off the coast near Fukuoka in Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. The town of Shingu, where Ainoshima is located, recently created a video message for the star, asking him to pay a visit to the cat island, where they say over 100 cats are waiting for him.

Take a look at the video, entitled “Dear Mr Ed Sheeran”, below:

The video clip, which features nothing but cats, really shows why the island has become known as “Cat Heaven Island Ainoshima”. Here, cats are free to enjoy sunset strolls by the water…

 ▼ Afternoon naps in the shade…

▼ And time with their “baby, c’mon”…

The full invitation from the video reads:

“Dear Mr. Ed Sheeran,
 Did you know that there is a cat Island in Japan?
 It’s called Ainoshima.
 It’s a tiny, tiny island and the size can’t even be compared to Ireland!
 The cats are care-free and full of life.
 At times they fight and yet have so much love for one another.
 They are enjoying life while being surrounded by the beautiful sea and mountains.
 We would love for you to visit our island. Over 100 cats are eagerly waiting for you!
 P.S. The cats love their afternoon naps! We recommend visiting the island during the mornings or evenings.
 CAT HEAVEN ISLAND AINOSHIMA“

While there’s been some discussion about whether or not Japan’s cat islands have the infrastructure to support the recent increase in tourism from local and foreign visitors, it seems Shingu is more than happy to draw attention to their small island and its roughly 500 inhabitants – most of whom are fishermen – with the video attracting views from people all around the world.

▼ Ainoshima is a 17-minute ferry ride away from Shingu Port.

With 26-year-old Sheeran scheduled to perform a series of concerts in Japan this October, we’ll have to wait to see whether the island’s representatives get what they wish for. With so many cat islands in Japan, Sheeran might just feel the urge to pave the way for a cat island tour so people in rural locations and his furry fans get to enjoy his music in their stunning seaside locations.

Source: Net Lab
Images: YouTube/相島 猫チャンネル