Autumn (Tokyo Studio)
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October 5th, 2008
Another cat encounter on this lazy Sunday. A family of cats sit out in a vacant block (used as a carpark) next to our stretch of the Kandagawa. Most likely street cats – but very healthy looking (with glossy fur and not much evidence of injuries) this family has mum (who is pregnat again), two kittens, an older kitten probably from a previous litter, and another grown up cat (dad?). They are probably being fed by the old man who lives in a tiny wooden house next door.
I came across an interesting theory about cats in Japan (by trawling through the internet). It is proposed (by catherine yronwode) that the infamous Hello Kitty is really a modern interpretation of Maneki Neko (the Beckoning Cat).
October 6th, 2008 at 11:06 am
what is the story of the beckoning cat? usually it’s me who beckons to cats, and they ignore me.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
You know the beckoning cat….? They are the ceramic white cats with a red collar and a golden bell, holding one paw up and the other paw holding a gold token. You generally see them in Japanese and Asian shops in Australia. Wikipedia will give the full story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki_Neko). By the way, we will be heading to the Gotoku-ji – the cat shrine for departed cats (you may remember it from Chris Marker’s San Soleil). We will offer a prayer for Puzpuz and your dearly beloved friend.
October 8th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Jo, can you choose and print out one of these shots of poor old Ruben to take and place in the cat shrine?
http://flickr.com/search/?q=Ruben&w=39145294%40N00
Perhaps one of the ones from his happy, healthy days!
I would like that.
Thanks, Lucas
October 8th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Of course, Lucas. I have chosen ‘cat on the hat’ and will take it to the shrine. You have great photos of your good friend!