Tokyo READY P82 PUBLIC CATS 22/10/2013 12:37 Page 82
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ats: spoilt by the Ancient Egyptians a few thousand years ago and they’ve never forgotten it. Not interested in such lowly dog-like interests as loyalty, enthusiasm and fetching sticks, they’re basically a fur-enclosed mass of sneering judgement – but who cares when they’re so adorable? It’s no wonder that Japan, land of kawaii, has embraced them. Aside from the widely publicised ‘cat cafés’ –places where pet-deprived Tokyoites can drop in for a quick feline-companion fix –kittens have been fully institutionalised in the capital. So extend a paw and meet a few of our favourite public faces…
You know you’re in Tokyo when… The cat’s in charge
Public cats
The gallery cat Name: Ginji-Oyabun
Age: 10 (cat years: 57) Home: Gallery Éf, Taito. They’re known for looking down on humans, but if you walk along Edo-dori and see a grey-and-white-striped mewler literally staring down at you, you’ve probably just been judged by Gallery Éf’s Ginji. 2-19-18 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku. 03 3841 0442. www.gallery-ef.com/e.htm. Asakusa station. Noon-7pm Wed-Mon (9pm during exhibitions), closed Tue.
The tea house cats Name: Kaiser and Oujo
Age: 2 (Kaiser), 3 (Oujo) (cat years: 25 and 29) Home: Die Katze, Shinjuku This inappropriately named establishment is home to charming balls of fluff Kaiser and Oujo. Pop in if you like your black tea with a side of tabby. 202 Sunmall No.7 Bldg, 1-19-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku. 03 3352 5510. Shinjuku-gyoenmae station. 11-8pm Mon-Sat , 11.30am-10pm Sun & public hols.
The café cat Name: Goemon
Age: 17 (cat years: 84) Home: Café Arles, Shinjuku. Visit this retro coffee shop and you may spot this handsome fellow stretched out on the sofa. Despite his advanced age, Goemon’s fluffy coat is still in, er, purr-fect condition. 5-10-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku. 03 3356 0003. ShinjukuSanchome station. 11.30am-10pm daily.
The sweet shop cats Name: Ishimatsu and Fumi
Age: Both around 15 (cat years: 76) Home: Kamikawaguchiya sweet shop, Toshima. He may be blind in one eye but Ishimatsu still loves keepingwatch outside this sweet shop. His sister, Fumi, prefersto hide. Pussy. 3-15-20 Zoshigaya, Toshima. Zoshigaya station. 10am-5pm daily.
In the next issue of Time Out Tokyo…
Get your running shoes on… … and head to the best places to watch hanami
Spring guide to arts and events All the best events and activities to rid you of the winter blues
82 For your full, up-to-the-minute guide to Tokyo visit www.timeout.com/tokyo
Available across Tokyo from March 2014!
