A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Globe-trotting wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Iwago Mitsuaki, offers the best of a vast collection of cat footage he took in Japan. On this unique trip around the country, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats!
Episodes
A scallop fisherman's cat, Miya, keeps watch while her owner is at sea. Once he's back, Miya's ready to cuddle. Meanwhile, a cat in Hachinohe City sits on her owner's newspaper to get his attention.
Kotaro lives in an inn in Kusatsu Onsen and shows us around the popular hot spring town. Meanwhile, Mike lives in a store in Takasaki City that sells daruma dolls. She keeps the staff company.
Ran lives with wakame divers and watches over their daily work. If neighboring cat Fukusuke comes over, Ran goes on high alert. Pei lives at an inn near the lakeshore and is popular with customers.
Matsuyama City was once home to author Natsume Soseki. Two cats living there show us a beautiful garden and other historical scenery. At a temple, a cat gets breakfast from a monk and naps in a tree.
Kotaro likes to go for walks near the mausoleum for Date Masamune, a famous historical lord. Komimi, who lives in a glass workshop, has a surprising spot where she likes to drink water.
Oolong lives at a guesthouse in Atami, a city nestled between the mountains and the sea. Elsewhere, six cats live in a house with an ocean view. They sometimes sit in on their owner's yoga lessons.
On Sado Island, Shine is interested in Maro. How will she respond today? Momoko is a beauty parlor cat who's popular with customers. She joins her owner at a folk music practice session.
Yufuin District is known for hot springs. Meme lives at a temple and loves to sunbathe with the chief priest. Mari likes to relax in baskets or on top of manhole covers. Fuku lives at a sake brewery.
Kojiro lives in a nashi pear orchard and is good at climbing trees. Warawara lives in the mountains and is friends with dogs. She plays with them on shared walks before napping together.
Nyan lives in a porcelain workshop near Hikone Castle. He stays near his beloved owner during work time. Kuro lives at a temple that she patrols daily. She strikes a dramatic pose during her nap.
Umekichi spends his time roaming through Ryogoku, a neighborhood that's the home of sumo. Chaou lives in an apartment that was part of an Olympic Village. He relaxes in a room overlooking the city.
Fuku-chan is popular with tourists visiting Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure. Elsewhere, five cats live in a restaurant offering green soba noodles. Mya-chan lives at an inn in a hot spring area.
A cat rides his owner's shoulder through Kurashiki, a city known for its beautiful white-walled storehouses. Friends Mikan and Mame visit a shop for a meal and even offer the shopkeeper some help.
Francine rests on the steps of Oura Cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We see short and bent tails common among Nagasaki cats. And one cat sits in an unusual spot overlooking the city.
Gorokichi goes for slow, relaxed walks during the day and sits with his owner at a pub in the evening. Madara lives at a cafe on a hill overlooking the ocean. She enjoys playing among cherry blossoms.
Itoshima is a tropical city along the coast. Popoki lives at an art studio with an artist from Hawaii. He watches over his owner's work. On Himeshima Island, cats live right on the water.
Torao lives on a ranch for draft horses and naps in a quiet spot. Socks lives at a produce transportation business. He's so popular at the office that he's considered the company vice president!
Runtime: 5m
Rio lives at Ryugakuin Temple. He's always with the chief priest, whether his owner is chanting sutras or writing calligraphy. Kurosuke, a cafe cat, helps customers relax.
Runtime: 5m
Chacha lives at a shop that sits right on Lake Haruna. He walks along the lakeshore, guiding us to some beautiful views. Komachi lives with a silk farmer and watches as she spins silk thread.
Runtime: 5m
Shosenkyo Gorge is known for being one of Japan's most scenic gorges. Two feline siblings live nearby. At Erinji Temple, Iwago Mitsuaki meets Mii and Saba. He captures their calm expressions.
