Shuji Ozaki 
A cat leaps across a gap in the seawall, with a torii gate leading to the island's village in the background. Ogijima, Kagawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
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Last week, February 22 marked National Cat Day in Japan. As a cat lover, my mission was clear: to find notable cats in Shikoku while my colleagues were busy covering baseball training camps.
The Cats of Oji Shrine, Tokushima
My first stop was Oji Shrine in Tokushima City, affectionately known as "Neko-gami-san," or the "Cat God" shrine. Located within Tokushima Prefecture's Bunka-no-Mori General Park, the shrine's office is surrounded by lush nature and is home to six cats.
On the day of my visit, a fierce cold swept through the area, keeping most of the cats tucked away in warm rooms. But perhaps feeling sorry for me, a cat named Mo, with an adorable little mustache, graciously posed as my model.
After promising the shrine priest I would return in spring, I wandered through the park and met several community cats. It was heartening to see local residents diligently feeding and watching over them. All the cats looked healthy and well cared for.
Ogijima, the Cat Haven
The next morning, I took a ferry to Ogijima in Kagawa Prefecture, my first visit to the island in about eight years.
There was a time when the cats on Ogijima faced hardships due to an overwhelming population and poor tourist behavior. However, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and proper spay and neuter programs, the situation has since stabilized. It was clear the cats were now thriving in a well-balanced environment.
Among the feline residents were "Sakura Cats," easily recognized by the small V-shaped notch in their ears that resemble sakura petals. This mark shows they have been spayed or neutered.
As I boarded the ferry back to Takamatsu, I hoped that Ogijima could serve as a model of harmony, a place where cats, locals, and visitors coexist happily.
Ogijima, Kagawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
Udon Shop Mascot
The following day, I satisfied my craving for noodles by visiting Yamagoe Udon, a well-known shop in Ayagawa Town, Kagawa Prefecture.
Arriving before the shop opened, I spotted a tabby cat wandering through the garden. The shop's owner, Fujiko Yamagoe, smiled and said, "That one is still an apprentice mascot cat. Our official mascot is Coco."
As I watched the tabby cat curiously explore the grounds, I couldn't help but imagine stray cats, drawn by the mouthwatering aroma of dashi, naturally finding their way to this spot.
Meeting so many cats and the kind-hearted people who care for them left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. February 22 may be "Cat Day," but for people like me, every day is Cat Day.
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Author: Shuji Ozaki, The Sankei Shimbun
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