Purr-fectly Curated: 8 Intriguing Insights about Cats in Japan

Footprints of Cats in Japan Through the Ages

When did these adorable creatures first arrive in Japan?

Image: ColBase (https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/A-10569-5506?locale=ja)

Based on historical records and folklore, cats were believed to be present in Japan as early as the Asuka to Nara periods (592 CE–794 CE). During the reign of Emperor Tenmu (631 CE–686 CE), a devout Buddhist around 680 CE, many Buddhist scriptures were actively imported from Tang dynasty China. One major challenge during these voyages was the damage caused by rats aboard the ships. According to essays from the Edo period, it is highly likely that monks brought cats from China to protect the precious scriptures from rodent damage while traveling by sea.

Starting in the Heian period (794 CE–1185 CE), cats suddenly began to appear frequently in various historical texts, even making their way into the imperial court, where their status was significantly elevated. However, their rarity diminished by the late Heian period, and they gradually became a more common presence.

By the Muromachi period (1336 CE–1573 CE), cats had transformed into prized pets, far removed from their original role of hunting rats. It’s said that many households, concerned about losing their valuable feline companions, kept them on leashes, much like how dogs are treated today.

Kutani Lucky Cat - Maneki Neko R

By the Edo period, due to the rarity of real cats, some people made a living by selling paintings of cats to silk farmers as talismans to ward off rats. Since rats were a serious threat to silkworms, cats were regarded almost like guardian spirits by the farmers. It was during this period that the famous maneki neko “lucky cat,” now known as a symbol of good fortune, first appeared as a lucky charm for silk farmers.

1. Furry Muses: Cats in Japanese Paintings

Cats have long held a cherished place in Japanese art, their graceful forms and playful demeanor inspiring generations of artists. During the Edo period, there was a famous ukiyo-e artist named Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who was well-known for his love of cats. In his self-portraits, you can often see him including the various cats that kept him company daily.

While he was skilled at depicting human figures, he became even more renowned for his portrayals of cats. In his artwork, cats sometimes appear as human pets, other times as kabuki mask designs, but most frequently, he dressed them in lavish human clothing, engaging in activities like dancing, soaking in hot springs, drinking, and chatting, much like human beings.

Ukiyoe Cats Chirimen Yuzen Furoshiki Wrapping Cloth 27in

Kuniyoshi's work not only captured the distinct physical traits and agile grace of cats but also infused them with expressive emotions and dynamic movements. One of his well-known pieces, Myoukai Kougoju Sanbiki, also known as Cats Suggested as The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, is a clever composition where he intricately illustrated cats in both static and dynamic poses. What's amusing is that each cat's action is a pun that corresponds to the name of a location on the Tokaido route, adding an extra layer of charm to the artwork.

2. Whiskers in Words: Cats in Japanese Literature

Cats not only make their mark in famous ukiyo-e prints, but their whiskers also find their way into the pages of Japanese literature. These enigmatic creatures have captivated the imagination of writers for centuries, from classical works to modern narratives.

Cats appear in ancient texts like The Pillow Book and The Tale of Genji, and they continue to enchant contemporary authors such as Murakami Haruki, whose novel Kafka on the Shore features many feline characters. With their aloof personalities and mysterious allure, these small animals have inspired countless authors to bring them to life through their words, embodying both elegance and intrigue.

The above image is for illustrative purposes only.

One of the most famous examples is I Am a Cat, the satirical novel by Natsume Soseki. Written in the early 20th century, the novel offers a unique and humorous perspective on human society, narrated entirely from the viewpoint of a nameless stray cat. Through the cat’s detached yet witty commentary, Soseki provides readers with a clever critique of Japanese society during the Meiji period (1868 CE–1912 CE), when Japan was rapidly modernizing. The feline narrator’s musings range from philosophical reflections to biting social commentary, making the novel a timeless work of literature.

3. Cat Proverbs: Feline Expressions in Japanese Idioms

The influence of cats in Japan extends far beyond art and literature; it even seeps into the everyday language in the form of idioms and proverbs. These colorful expressions, which often depict cats in quirky or exaggerated ways, are a testament to how deeply ingrained felines are in Japanese culture.

The above image is for illustrative purposes only.

・Neko ni koban "Gold coins to a cat":
This phrase is the Japanese equivalent of "pearls before swine," implying that valuable things are wasted on those who don’t appreciate them.

・Neko wo kaburu "Wearing a cat" :
This is used to describe someone who is pretending to be nice or quiet, much like a cat hiding its true nature.

・Neko no te mo karitai" I’d even borrow a cat’s hand": This saying highlights how desperate someone is for help, even willing to seek aid from a cat—an animal not known for its helpfulness.

Each of these idioms not only highlights different traits we associate with cats but also offers a window into how Japanese people perceive themselves through their feline companions.

4. The Stationmaster Cat: Tama, the Feline in Charge

Seeing a cat on the street might not surprise you, but spotting one in a train station wearing a staff uniform cap might make you blink twice and wonder if you’re dreaming. Yet, in Japan, such a sight is not a fantasy. On January 5, 2007, Wakayama Electric Railway welcomed its first "cat stationmaster," marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in Japan’s unique love for its feline companions.

She would sit by the ticket booth, calmly observing passengers as they went about their day, offering a charming spectacle for tourists and locals alike. Her presence brought a surge of visitors, eager to catch a glimpse of the feline stationmaster, and the railway line saw an unprecedented revival. Tourists flocked to the station, helping to boost the local economy and even inspiring the creation of Tama-themed merchandise. Encountering such a furry and adorable stationmaster during your travels is sure to add a delightful touch of joy to your journey.

5. Islands of Cats: Japan’s Feline Sanctuaries

For cat lovers, Japan offers more than just cat cafés and cute merchandise—it also boasts entire islands where felines outnumber humans. These "cat islands," such as Aoshima in Ehime Prefecture, have become popular tourist destinations for those seeking an immersive feline experience.

Cats in Aoshima/The above image is for illustrative purposes only.

Originally, cats were brought to these islands to help control the rodent population in fishing villages, but over time, the cat population exploded, creating a unique environment where cats were the ruling class. On islands like Aoshima, cats roam freely through narrow streets, nap on fishing boats, and curiously interact with the few human residents and visitors who make the journey. While human populations on these islands have dwindled over the years, the cats have flourished, becoming the primary attraction.

Cats in Aoshima/The above image is for illustrative purposes only.

Visiting a cat island is like stepping into a real-life fairytale where hundreds of cats lounge about, play, and meander through picturesque settings that feel frozen in time.