Pop Japan

The Japanese have a long tradition of keeping cats, including them in arts or tales and revering through statues called Manki-Neko. The feline friends became as a symbol of fertility and guardians of temple and provider of protection against rodents. Today cats can be found in Japanese culture and in animes such as Maru, Kirara from Inuyasha, Meowth from Pokemon, Catbus of My Neighbor Totoro.

One famous example is Hello Kitty by Sanrio. The anthropomorphic cat is popular as an anime and merchandise. Beyond this anime, there's an attraction called Cate Cafe or Cat-themed restaurants where customers can play with cats while dining. Likewise, there's an island populated by hundreds of cats that outnumber human residents.

Tags: cats, cat, animals, maneki neko, neko, cats in japan, Hello Kitty, inuyasha, Maru, Japanese culture