Cats in Japanese Culture: A History of Felines in the Archipelago
Japan sure does love cats … right? There are definitely a lot of them in anime, though usually heavily anthropomorphized — basically humans with cat ears (known as nekomimi). But that doesn’t really feel like it counts. And what about Hello Kitty, you ask? According to Sanrio, the world-famous character is actually a little girl […] The post Cats in Japanese Culture: A History of Felines in the…
Japan has a profound love for cats, evident in various aspects of its history and culture. Archaeological evidence from Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture reveals that cats have been domesticated in Japan for over 2,000 years. Initially, cats arrived on Iki Island via Korean traders but later spread throughout the country through the efforts of Buddhist monks who introduced them in the sixth century.
In the early days, cats were highly valued by Buddhist priests due to their ability to control rodent populations, which threatened sacred Buddhist scriptures. As such, cats were treated with respect and were considered semi-holy animals. When cats were first introduced in significant numbers, they became highly prized by royals and aristocrats, and their images appeared on pottery, such as a 1,400-year-old Hyogo pottery piece featuring a cat paw print.
The first recorded mention of a cat in Japan came from Emperor Uda's diary in 867 AD. Emperor Uda kept a cat as a pet and wrote about its exceptional skill in catching mice at night. However, the translation is incorrect in some sources, and Emperor Uda never actually said, "I am convinced it is superior to all other cats." Nonetheless, it is clear that Emperor Uda was deeply attached to his cat and wrote affectionate entries about it.
During the Heian period (794-1185), cat ownership became a symbol of status among Kyoto’s aristocracy, as these animals were extremely rare outside of China. Aristocrats wore red cat collars, and cat leashes were common. However, cats were often kept tied up due to concerns about their safety and the potential harm they could cause to valuable property. Cats were also given official court ranks, with some even reaching the status of a Fifth-Rank courtier.
Over time, the cat population in Japan steadily increased, and cat ownership spread beyond the elite. Initially, it was a way for the wealthy to emulate the habits of Kyoto nobles, but soon even farmers and merchants took care of cats to protect rice and silkworms, essential resources for Japanese peasants. As the human population of Kyoto boomed in the early 1600s, the Tokugawa shogunate ordered domestic cats to be released to control the rodent population and protect the silk industry.
This period marked the golden age for Japanese cats, as they played a crucial role in maintaining the country's economy and cultural heritage.
Written by urgent.news from Tokyo Weekender's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
