Crowdfunding for the cats and community on Fukashima Island

On a tiny island off the coast of southern Oita Prefecture, a community-led initiative is demonstrating the profound impact of small-scale, integrated efforts in addressing complex social and environmental challenges. Fukashima, often referred to as a “cat island” due to its unusual population dynamic—where cats vastly outnumber human residents—has become a fascinating case study in sustainable community management and animal welfare.

With a human population of just 11, compared to 65 feline inhabitants, the island has faced numerous challenges. These range from managing the health and welfare of the cat population to ensuring that the island’s human residents can live harmoniously with their feline neighbors. In response, the local community, spearheaded by the Abe family, who run various businesses including the island’s only cafe “cafe Mugi” and a local inn “Inn Ebisu Neko,” initiated the “Fukashima Project.”

This initiative’s cornerstone is the “Fukashima Cat Encyclopedia,” now in its third edition as of April 2024. The encyclopedia is more than just a compendium of the island’s cats; it represents a pivotal element in a broader strategy to foster sustainable practices that benefit both the human and cat populations. By documenting the cats and providing detailed insights into their lives and the island’s history, the project has not only raised awareness but also crucial funding through its sales. These funds have been instrumental in implementing a comprehensive Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and addressing the veterinary needs of the cat population.

Moreover, the project has successfully leveraged crowdfunding to meet its financial goals, reflecting a growing trend of community-driven funding for local initiatives. Within just one week of its launch, the campaign surpassed its target, raising over 1.22 million yen, demonstrating substantial community and global support for their vision. The success of the Fukashima Project provides a blueprint for how small communities can tackle significant socio-environmental issues.

The crowdfunding project for “Fukashima Cat Encyclopedia” ends on May 31.