Team cat? I’ve unknowingly come across so many books with cats playing a pivotal role, enough to ask… Why are they so prevalent in Japanese literature?
Firstly, cats have been revered in Japan for centuries. Their presence is often associated with good fortune and protection from evil spirits. This cultural reverence for cats reflects itself in literature, where they frequently appear as symbols of luck, wisdom, and mystery.
Secondly, cats’ independent and enigmatic nature makes them intriguing characters in stories. Their aloof yet affectionate behavior lends itself well to storytelling. Authors explore themes such as loneliness, companionship, and the human condition through their interactions with cats.
With that being said, here are some of the cat books I’ve enjoyed.
1. The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Author: Hiro Arikawa
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Link to book: The Travelling Cat Chronicles
This was a cute and gentle read. It is a story of a man looking to find a home for his cat, due to circumstances explained at the end of the book. Each chapter unveils a bit of his past as he goes through different groups of friends and families to find a suitable owner for his dear cat. That being said, I did not like the reason he had to give up his cat. Nonetheless, his journey is rather heartwarming and makes you reflect on what is important in life. This is the kind of book that you have a cup of tea with on a Sunday morning.
“As we count up the memories from one journey, we head off on another. Remembering those who went ahead. Remembering those who will follow after. And someday, we will meet all those people again, out beyond the horizon.”
2. If Cats Disappeared from the World
Author: Genki Kawamura
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Link to book: If Cats Disappeared from the World
This was an intriguing and thoughtful one. The unnamed protagonist facing a terminal illness makes a Faustian bargain with the devil, giving him some extra days to live in exchange for making some things disappear from existence. Thereupon, each chapter explores the idea of a different object disappearing. Through the protagonist’s journey, we contemplate what truly matters in life and confront the inevitability of death. He is also worried about what would happen to his cat, Cabbage, when he dies. Their tender relationship anchors the story emotionally, underscoring the profound bond between humans and animals. Through Cabbage, we see the simple joys of companionship and the transformative power of love.
“We may think we own cats but that’s not the way it is. They simply allow us the pleasure of their company.”
3. The Cat Who Saved Books
Author: Sosuke Natsukawa
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Link to book: The Cat Who Saved Books
This story is about a high school student who inherits his grandfather’s bookstore and wants to close it down. Then, out of the blue, a talking cat appears and together they go on adventures to save books from their neglectful owners. There is a fair amount of surrealism involved. However, some of the conversations and how they changed the antagonists’ minds did not convince me. Nonetheless, I think this book is more about the love for books, rather than cats.
4. She and Her Cat
Author: Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Link to book: She and Her Cat
This short story is the exploration of the bond between a young woman, Miyu, and her cat, Chobi. From the cat’s eyes, we see Miyu navigate the challenges of adulthood, a failing relationship, loneliness, depression, grappling with her dreams and aspirations. Basically, it is a slice of life story. But perhaps it was too short and didn’t fully capture the nuances of life and decisions. It only scratches the surface of Miyu’s problems in my view. Nevertheless, it is a cute read and from an interesting perspective.
5. Kafka on the Shore
Author: Haruki Murakami
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Link to book: Kafka on the Shore
Lastly, my favourite Murakami book. I’ve written a post on this one. For some reason, Murakami seems to have cats lurking in many of his books. His cats usually play to the mysterious element. Kafka on the Shore centers around finding a cat killer, and includes an essential character, Nakata, that is able to talk to cats. This book is a brilliant journey of self-discovery. There are themes of loneliness, love, and the search for meaning. Compared to the other books above, it is much thicker and not as light-hearted, but definitely worth the read. So, wrap yourself in some comfy blankets, light some candles, and prepare to immerse yourself in a magical world.
“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”