IF there’s one nation that has unparalleled adoration for cats, that would be the Land of the RIsing Sun — Japan.

These furry creatures have been revered by the Japanese people for the longest time, which is evident in their culture and mythology. Cats are respected as they symbolize good luck and positive results. 

Cats were also said to protect sacred texts in ancient Japan from the damages caused by mice.

These cuddly felines were widely used as well in anime and decorations, as seen in Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, Pokemon’s Meowt, and the famous maneki-neko or beckoning cat decor.

Cats have played an important role in Japanese literature for centuries. They are often portrayed as mystical creatures with supernatural powers, a deep connection to nature, and a unique perspective on the world.

Here are six classic and contemporary Japanese novels that feature cats as principal characters in their plotline.

‘I Am a Cat’ by Natsume Soseki

One of the most famous examples is the classic Japanese novel I Am a Cat by Natsume Soseki. 

The novel, which was published in 1905, is a satirical look at Japanese society through the eyes of a stray cat. It is written from the perspective of an unnamed stray cat, who observes the lives and behavior of the humans around him.

The cat’s observations are often humorous, and he frequently pokes fun at the pretensions and foibles of the humans he encounters. 

At the same time, however, the novel also touches on deeper themes, such as the nature of human existence and the search for meaning in life.

‘The Traveling Cat Chronicles’ by Hiro Arikawa

The Traveling Cat Chronicles is a heartwarming novel by Japanese author Hiro Arikawa and was first published in 2012. 

The story follows the journey of a stray cat named Nana, who is taken in by a kind-hearted man named Satoru.

Challenged by his terminal illness, Satoru decides that he must find a new home for Nana. He embarks on a journey across Japan with Nana, searching for the perfect home for his beloved pet. 

Through their journey, they encounter several potential owners for Nana. But ultimately, they realize that they cannot bear to part with each other. The novel ends with a touching reunion between Nana and Satoru, and a reminder of the power of love and friendship.

‘If Cats Disappeared from the World’ by Genki Kawamura

First published in 2012, If Cats Disappeared from the World is a contemporary novel authored by Genki Kawamura that narrates the story of a young postman diagnosed with a terminal illness and given one week to live.

As he struggles to come to terms with his impending death, the postman is visited by a devil, who offers him a deal: for each day that he agrees to give up his life, the devil will remove one thing from the world, from cellular phones to cats.

Throughout the novel, the postman reflects on the importance of small, seemingly insignificant things in people’s lives, and the ways in which they connect humans to the world and to each other. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.

‘The Cat Who Saved Books’ by Sosuke Natsukawa

Written by Sosuke Natsukawa and published in 2021, The Cat Who Saved Book is a novel that teaches its readers the tremendous power that books possess.

This heart-rending story features Rintaro, a hikikomori (a rebellious teenager who has severe social withdrawal), as he tries to find the courage to save the books he and his late grandfather value the most. 

This uplifting novel underscores the importance of lending a helping hand to those who need it most and how books could help people connect and understand one another.

‘The Guest Cat’ by Takashi Hiraide

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide is set in Tokyo and follows the story of a freelance writer and his wife who are renting a small house. 

One day, a neighbor’s cat begins to visit their house regularly, and the couple begins to form a bond with the creature, whom they name Chibi.

As the story progresses, the cat becomes a crucial part of the couple’s lives, and they come to view her as a sort of muse, inspiring them in their creative endeavors.

As they plan to move to another city, the pair grapples with the possibility of losing Chibi forever.

The Guest Cat is a powerful reminder of the connections we can form with the natural world, and the ways in which animals can touch our lives in profound and unexpected ways.

‘Kafka on the Shore’ by Haruki Murakami

In Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, cats are recurring symbols throughout the novel. 

Kafka Tamura, the novel’s protagonist, is often accompanied by a stray cat that he names Oshima. The cat seems to have a mysterious connection to Kafka’s past and serves as a guide of sorts for him.

Additionally, Nakata, the elderly man who has the ability to talk to cats, interacts with felines throughout the novel. Nakata’s connection to cats is a central part of his identity and his journey in the novel.

The cats in the novel also represent a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, reflecting the novel’s surrealist and metaphysical elements. 

Murakami uses the cats to blur the boundaries between reality and imagination, suggesting that there is a deeper, more mystical reality underlying our everyday experiences.