Long before the advent of viral cat videos on social media, Japan has cultivated a deep and enduring fascination with felines, reflecting their prominent role in both traditional and contemporary culture. This adoration spans from ancient folklore to modern pop culture, encompassing literary classics, anime, and traditional art forms.
Literary critic Kai Nagase notes that the contemporary fascination with cats in Japan can be traced back to the rise of consumer culture in the 1970s and 1980s. This period saw the emergence of iconic characters like Hello Kitty, who, despite lacking a mouth, rivals Mickey Mouse in global merchandise sales. Hello Kitty played a significant role in popularizing the Japanese cultural phenomenon known as Kawaii, which emphasizes cuteness through exaggerated childlike features.
Nagase’s personal favorite is Doraemon, the robot cat from the 22nd century whose manga and anime have been integral to Japanese childhood for over five decades. “The inspiration provided by Doraemon is immeasurable,” says Nagase, highlighting the “soft power” of both Doraemon and Hello Kitty. Doraemon was honored as Japan’s first “animation ambassador” in 2008, while Hello Kitty was appointed Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development in 2017.
This modern celebrity status contrasts with the more subtle legacy of earlier feline representations. Natsume Sōseki’s 1905 novel I Am a Cat introduces a nameless feline narrator who offers a satirical critique of human nature and the Westernization of Japanese society in the late 19th century. According to Nagase, the cat’s perspective makes the novel unique and influential in modern Japanese literature.
Historical records suggest that cats were introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century to protect Buddhist scriptures from rats. Japanese folklore is rich with supernatural cat figures, reflecting the intertwining of Shintoism and Buddhism’s reverence for nature.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan saw a flourish of cultural contributions, including kabuki theater, haiku poetry, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The era also witnessed the proliferation of domestic cats and their portrayal in art and literature. Utagawa Yoshiiku’s prints, for instance, depict kabuki actors dressed as cats, while Matsuo Bashō’s haikus reflect a keen observation of feline behavior.
The maneki-neko, a cat figurine with a raised paw traditionally believed to bring good fortune, has been a fixture in Japanese culture since the Edo period. These figures are still venerated at places like Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo.
Notably, Yukio Mishima, the controversial author known for his dramatic end, used the dissection of a cat as a symbolic element in his novel The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea. Meanwhile, contemporary figures like Haruki Murakami have continued to incorporate cats into their work, with names like Mimi and Tama appearing in novels such as Kafka on the Shore.
The cultural impact of cats extends to niche establishments such as Necoya Books, a cat-themed bookstore founded by Korean expatriate Jieun Yoo. Located in Tachikawa, Tokyo, the bookstore features cat-related literature and merchandise and opened on February 22, Cat Day, to celebrate the Japanese onomatopoeia for meowing.
Cats also feature prominently in Japanese animation, with Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli creating memorable feline characters like the Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro.
Japan’s affection for cats is further evidenced by their overwhelming presence on certain islands, such as Aoshima, where the feline population significantly outnumbers the human residents. According to the Japan Pet Food Manufacturers Association, cats remain the most popular pets in Japan, with 9.06 million registered cat owners in 2023, surpassing the number of children under 14.
As Japan continues to embrace its feline companions in various facets of life, from traditional symbolism to modern entertainment, the cat remains an enduring and beloved symbol in Japanese culture.
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