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Cats are one of the most popular and beloved animals in the world, but they have not always been treated with kindness and respect. In some cultures, cats have been persecuted, feared or even killed for various reasons. However, in other cultures, cats have been revered, worshipped and immortalized as symbols of luck, prosperity and divine protection. One of these cultures is ancient Japan, where cats played a significant role in religion, art and folklore.
In this article, we will explore how cats were introduced to Japan, how they became associated with various deities and spirits, and how they inspired many artists and writers to create works that are still admired today. We will also look at some of the legends and myths that surround cats in ancient Japan, and how they reflect the culture and values of the people who lived there.
The Origin of Cats in Japan
According to historical records, cats were first introduced to Japan from China around the 6th century CE, along with Buddhism and other cultural influences. Cats were valued for their ability to catch rats and mice, which threatened the grain stores and the health of the people. Cats were also seen as companions and guardians of Buddhist monks, who often kept them in their temples. Some temples even had special cat cemeteries, where the monks would bury their feline friends with respect and gratitude.
However, cats were not widely adopted as pets by the general population until much later. One reason for this was that cats were considered to be sacred animals that belonged to the gods and the monks, and not to ordinary people. Another reason was that cats were expensive and rare, as they had to be imported from China or Korea. Only the wealthy and powerful could afford to own cats, and they often used them as status symbols or gifts for their allies or enemies.
As a result, cats remained mostly confined to temples or palaces for several centuries, until the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), when Japan opened up to foreign trade and cultural exchange. During this time, cats became more accessible and affordable to the common people, who started to keep them as pets or mascots. Cats also became more diverse in appearance and personality, as they interbred with local wildcats or other imported breeds. Some of the most popular types of cats in Japan today, such as the Japanese Bobtail or the Kurilian Bobtail, originated from this period.
The Worship of Cats in Japan
As cats became more popular and widespread in Japan, they also became associated with various deities and spirits. One of the most famous examples is the Maneki Neko, or the Beckoning Cat, which is a common figurine or statue of a cat with one paw raised, as if inviting good fortune. The origin of the Maneki Neko is uncertain, but one legend says that it was inspired by a real cat that lived in a temple in Tokyo. The cat supposedly saved the life of a feudal lord by beckoning him to enter the temple, just before a lightning strike hit the spot where he was standing. The lord was so grateful that he became a patron of the temple and donated generously to its upkeep. The temple then made statues of the cat to honor its memory and to attract more visitors and donations.
Another legend says that the Maneki Neko was based on a stray cat that befriended a poor shopkeeper during the Edo period. The cat would sit outside the shop and wave its paw at passing customers, who would be curious enough to enter and buy something. The shopkeeper's business soon prospered thanks to the cat's charm and luck. The shopkeeper then made a statue of the cat to express his gratitude and to share his fortune with others.
The Maneki Neko is usually depicted as a white cat with black or red spots, wearing a collar with a bell and a bib with a coin or a jewel. The color of the cat is said to have different meanings: white for purity, black for protection from evil spirits, red for good health, gold for wealth, etc. The paw that is raised is also significant: the left paw is for attracting customers or visitors, while the right paw is for attracting money or happiness. The height of the paw also indicates the degree of the cat's power: the higher the paw, the greater the luck.
The Maneki Neko is not the only cat-related deity or spirit in Japan. There are also other figures, such as Bakeneko, Nekomata, and Kasha, who are believed to be cats that have gained supernatural abilities or transformed into other forms after living for a long time or dying in a certain way. These beings are often depicted as malicious or mischievous, and sometimes as helpful or benevolent, depending on the context and the source. Some of their abilities include shapeshifting, speaking human language, controlling fire, stealing souls, and cursing or blessing people.
One of the most famous stories about these beings is the tale of Nabeshima, a feudal lord who was attacked by a Bakeneko that had taken the form of his mistress. The Bakeneko had killed the real mistress and her family, and then seduced Nabeshima with her beauty and charm. She then tried to kill him by scratching his neck with her claws, but he managed to escape with the help of his loyal retainers. The Bakeneko then pursued him to his castle, where she used her magic to create a fire and a storm to distract his guards. She also summoned an army of cats to assist her in her attack. However, Nabeshima and his men were able to fend off the Bakeneko and her minions with their swords and guns, and eventually killed her by shooting her in the heart.
The Immortalization of Cats in Japan
Cats also became a popular subject of art and literature in ancient Japan. One of the most famous examples is the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga, or the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals, which is a series of ink paintings from the 12th or 13th century CE. The scrolls depict various animals, including cats, monkeys, rabbits and frogs, acting like humans in humorous and satirical scenes. The scrolls are considered to be one of the earliest examples of manga, or Japanese comics, and have influenced many modern artists and animators.
Another famous example is the Neko no Myōjutsu, or the Cat's Art of War, which is a short story from the 17th century CE. The story tells of a samurai who encounters a mysterious old cat who claims to be a master of martial arts. The cat teaches the samurai some valuable lessons about strategy, tactics and philosophy, using his own experiences as a cat as examples. The story is a parody of the famous treatise The Art of War by Sun Tzu, and also reflects some aspects of Zen Buddhism.
Cats also inspired many poets and writers to create works that express their admiration, affection or curiosity for these animals. Some of these works include haiku (short poems), tanka (longer poems), senryū (satirical poems), kyōka (comic poems), monogatari (stories), nikki (diaries), zuihitsu (essays), etc. Some of the themes that these works explore include the beauty, grace and elegance of cats, their independence and intelligence, their loyalty and friendship, their playfulness and mischief, their mystery and unpredictability, etc.
One of the most famous poets who wrote about cats was Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694 CE), who is considered to be one of the greatest masters of haiku. Bashō often traveled around Japan with his cat companion named Sora (meaning sky), who accompanied him on his journeys and inspired some of his poems. One of Bashō's most famous haiku about cats is:
古池や
蛙飛び込む
水の音furu ike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no otoAn old pond
A frog jumps in
The sound of water
This haiku captures the essence of Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of being aware of the present moment and appreciating its beauty and simplicity. The haiku also suggests that Bashō was inspired by his cat Sora, who would often watch frogs jumping into ponds with curiosity and amusement.
Conclusion
Cats have a long and fascinating history in many cultures, but few have honored them as much as the ancient Japanese. Cats were revered, worshipped and immortalized as symbols of luck, prosperity and divine protection. They also inspired many artists and writers to create works that are still admired today. Cats are truly remarkable animals that deserve our respect and appreciation.
Here are some reference sites that you can visit to learn more about cats in ancient Japan:
