Why do you see so many cats in Japan
Cats have been an integral part of Japanese life and culture for a long time. The Japanese have kept cats as pets since more than 1000 years ago, creating a close and harmonious relationship between humans and cats. Cats have become an important symbol in Japanese beliefs and folklore.
The interest in cats is evident in Japanese art. Ukiyo-e paintings, a type of traditional wooden painting, depicted cats as a popular subject during the Edo period (1603-1868). Literary works also have no shortage of famous works related to cats, such as the novel "I am the cat" by Soseki Natsume during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Today, cat characters like Hello Kitty, Doraemon and Chii are still very popular and have fans around the world.
In addition, Japan also has many famous places for cat lovers. For example, Tashirojima Island in Ishinomaki City is a "Cat Island" where cats congregate at the harbor and often appear around the harbor fishing area.
Cats become a sacred symbol on this island, and there is a shrine to the "cat god" to pray for the well-being and peace of the fishermen. Aoshima Island in the Shikoku area is also a popular spot for its large number of cats. Coming to this island, visitors can come into close contact with cats and experience "cat paradise".
Let's try to discover the level of "coverage" of cats in Japanese life!
1. Human and Cat Harmony in Japan
The Japanese have had a close and harmonious relationship with cats for a very long time. More than 1000 years ago, the Japanese started keeping cats as pets in the house. Since then, the cat has become an animal that is extremely close to humans and popular in Japanese life.
2. Japanese people's interest in cats
The people of Japan have a special level of interest in cats, and this is reflected in the country's art, culture and folklore. From traditional paintings and novels, to popular feline characters like Hello Kitty and Doraemon, cats have become a popular and beloved symbol in Japan.
3. Famous places for cats in Japan
Japan has many famous places that are associated with cats. For example, Tashirojima Island and Aoshima Island are famous places for their large presence of cats. Also, there's the cat town of Yanaka in Tokyo, where you can see feral cats and explore cat-themed shops.
4. Cat cafe
Cat coffee is a popular concept in Japan, where people can enjoy coffee and play with the cats roaming around freely. Cat cafes have grown into a trend in Japan and are popular with tourists and locals alike.
5. The popularity of cats in social media
Cats have become a popular topic in social media in Japan. The Japanese often share photos and videos of cats on social networking sites, and have multiple accounts on platforms like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube with cat-related content.
In short, cats have become an integral part of Japanese life and culture. A special love and care for cats has created a friendly and rich environment for these animals in Japan.
