Why is Japan’s “cat no high” completely meaningful to cats?
February 22nd will be a fun opportunity for Japanese cat lovers – National Cat Day or “Neko No High” (Cat Day).
While many countries celebrate their own version of Cat Appreciation Day, the 2/22 Japan’s choice of 2/22 shows a certain cleverness. In Japanese, “two” is pronounced “Ni” and 2/22 sounds like “Ni-ni-ni.” To the sound of a cat!
Scroll to the end for 8 fun cat factoids about Male Cat Cats.
As someone who has been studying cat behavior for years and cultural relations with cats, I find Japanese celebrations particularly worthy. The country’s connections with cats are surprisingly deep, dating back to the introduction of cats in the 6th century, protecting the precious Buddhist Bible from rodents.
Cultural significance of cats in Japan
Japanese folklore features cat mythology. Maneki-neko (literally “cat-inducing”) figurines, which typically display raised legs, are recognized internationally as symbols of good fortune. These ceramic cats are guarded at the entrances of countless shops across Japan, making prosperity quietly appealing.
The supernatural bucket cats (ghost cats) and cat matas (folktail cats) in Japanese mythology demonstrate the cultural belief that cats exist in the marginal space between our world and the more mystical ones. Unlike Western traditions where black cats show bad luck, Japanese culture traditionally considered them to be auspicious.
Modern Japanese Cat Culture
Today, Japan embraces cat culture with distinctive enthusiasm. The Cat Cafe started in Taiwan, but around 2004 I found a spiritual home in Tokyo. These facilities offer urbanites the therapeutic benefits of cat dating without ownership commitment.
Tashirojima, known lovingly as “Cat Island,” maintains the population of cats counting humans. Originally rated as moosers to protect silkworm facilities, these cats now attract tourists while enjoying their sheltered status. The island’s cat shrine (Nekojinja) predicts fishing spots and storms, and honors cats that show a deep practical relationship between humans and cats.
Little-known Cat Factoid
Most cat lovers know about Purring and Meowing, but here’s what’s fascinating. Cats have a special clavicle structure that allows them to land on their feet at any time between waterfalls.
This “rights reflex” allows them to spin appetizers independently from the previous section, a biomechanical wonder that begins to develop when kittens are only 3 weeks old. By seven weeks, the reflexes are fully functional, allowing cats to perform this acrobatic feat from a height of 30 centimeters.
How Japan’s Cat Day is celebrated
On February 22nd, cat lovers across Japan will pamper their cat friends with special treats and gifts. Social media platforms have cat photos tagged #nekonohi, cat cafes host special events, and photos of cats are flooded with cat photos. Some shelters offer adoption discounts and address the growing interest in Japan in rescue rather than buying.
Celebrations extend to the commercial realm, with limited cat-themed products appearing in shops across the country. Even businesses that are not related to PET are incorporating cat images into their marketing. This is evidence of cats’ cultural appeal.
The science behind the obsession of Japanese cats
Japan’s appreciation for cats is perfectly in line with the scientific understanding of human union. Studies have shown that interactions with cats release oxytocin, lower stress hormones, and lower blood pressure. In a society known for work pressure, this physiological benefit explains part of the appeal of cats.
Furthermore, the Japanese aesthetic concept of “cuteness” finds a perfect representation of the traits of cats. Evolutionary biologists point out that larger cat eyes trigger human breeding instincts compared to face size.
Global impact
The Japanese cat celebrations have influenced international cat appreciation. Popular images of characters like Japanese cat cafes, stories about cat islands, and Hello Kitty contribute to the global cat culture.
The timing of the Japanese celebration in February coincides with the traditional breeding season for cats in the Northern Hemisphere.
For those celebrating Neko No Hi, this February 22nd, the best tribute to cat friends, whether in Japan or elsewhere, is to understand their natural behavior and needs Don’t forget. Respecting the instinctive drive for cat hunting, climbing, scratching and territorial marks, as cat activists consistently observe, creates a stronger human connection with a happier cat Masu.
Therefore, on this 2/22, appreciate the notable creatures that have chosen to share our homes and minds for thousands of years. Starting in ancient Japan, continue to our modern world.になったんです。 English: The first thing you can do
Check out our previous posts today Nyan, Nyan, Nyan Japanese Cat Day
8 fascinating facts about manneki cats: Japanese lucky cat figurines
1. Color coding:White mannequins symbolize happiness and purity, but various colors have specific meanings. Gold attracts wealth, black words from evil spirits, red protects from illness, pink brings romance.
2. PAW location problem:Raised feet have important significance. The raised right foot of the right foot attracts money, while the rising foot of the left invites customers and visitors. Some unusual maneki cat figurines have both feet grown for the greatest good fortune!
3. The Story of Origin:The most popular legend tells of the poor temples that were saved when the cat lifts its legs and beckons the wealthy feudal lords to evacuate the storm. The Temple of Thanksgiving then flourished and reached the legendary status of cats.
4. Historical Timeline:Maneki Neko first appeared in the late Edo period (1603-1868), but it was not widely popular until the Meiji period (1868-1912), when merchant culture flourished in Japan.
5. Regional Variations: Tokyo-style Maneki Neko usually features a clean white coat, but the Osaka version often features more decorative patterns and colors, reflecting local design preferences.
6. Bersymborism: The collars and bells often found in Maneki Neko figurines refer to cats from wealthy families, as ordinary cats did not wear such luxurious items in the Edo period.
7. Coin’s Denomination: The traditional Maneki Neko holds a Koban Coin (one Ryo equivalent). This is about $1,000 in today’s currency, and is an important symbol of prosperity.
8. World Records Collection:Maneki Neko’s biggest collection belongs to the Maneki Neko Museum in Seto City in Hishima Prefecture, and houses over 10,000 unique figurines from different eras and regions in Japan.
Do you own a cat cat? I have a few, but my favorite is the solar powered one, which Otto also likes.
