"Mimi," one of the Imperial Family’s pet cats, photographed by Empress Masako. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency)
On December 1, the Imperial Household Agency released photos of Mimi, a cat the Emperor's family began caring for in August. Mimi is a female calico cat. The family adopted her through an animal hospital from a rescue group when she was about four and a half months old.
Her name, Mimi, is written with the characters meaning "beautiful" and "ocean." The family chose the name in the hope of a beautiful sea that symbolizes the Earth. During her official visit to Laos in November, Princess Aiko mentioned this while speaking with local students.
Seven and Mimi
Until then, the family had kept two cats named "Mii" and "Seven," but Mii passed away last summer. To keep Seven from feeling lonely, the family decided to adopt Mimi. The Imperial Household Agency also released photos of Seven on December 1.
In an announcement marking Princess Aiko's 24th birthday, the Imperial Household Agency said she cherishes time with the two cats, calling it a peaceful and comforting part of her day.
RELATED:
- Sado Wildlife in Focus | Mantises Up Close, with a Cat Cameo
- Caring for Stray Cats: Balancing Compassion and Reality
- Translator Peter MacMillan on His Love of Literature and Living with Cats
- INTERVIEW | Living, Loving, and Learning with Cats According to Best-selling Author Hiro Arikawa
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
