There exists a place where more cats dwell than humans.
Tashiro-jima is a tiny island located in the Pacific Ocean in Miyagi Prefecture, just west of Ajishima. The island is largely uninhabited, with a population of about 100 people, many of whom are 65 and up.
The majority of the island's residents, however, are felines-hundreds and hundreds of stray cats have chosen Tashiro-jima as their home.
In Japanese culture, the cat is believed to bring good luck and wealth.
According to Yahoo News, the landmass nicknamed, "Cat Island," was a popular place for fishermen to stay overnight during long sea voyages in the 1800s .
Cats on board the boats and ships would follow the ocean faring men onto land, looking for food and water. As time went on, the fishermen grew to like the ever-present felines, and started seeing their movements as predictions about weather conditions and fish's migration.
Legend has it that one fishermen was gathering stones on the shore to put in his nets, when a rogue rock fell and hit one of felines, killing it almost instantly. The man then buried the cat and made a shrine. Now, at least 10 cat shrines are strewn about Miyagi Prefecture.
The Island also is peppered with cat-shaped monuments and buildings-even ones with pointed ears on the roof.
Citizens and tourists alike can access the island by ferry. The cats are said to be friendly, and come close to visitors looking for food or a few pats. Dogs are not allowed on the island.
Check out photographer Fubirai's photos of Cat Island here, but beware of a cuteness overload.
Japan's cat obsession does not stop at the Islant-in the main city of Osaka, there is a coffeehouse called Cats' Time Café, where patrons can sit with felines, feed and pet them.
