Cat Nation: A film about Japan's crazy cat culture

Cat Nation: A film about Japan's crazy cat culture is a 2017 documentary film that serves as a captivating exploration of Japan's intriguing relationship with cats, directed by Tim Delmastro and starring Chris Broad and Natsuki Aso. This one-of-a-kind watch is an exciting journey, making an insight-packed discovery of why the Land of the Rising Sun appears to be inevitably obsessed with feline companions.

Embarking on a quest to understand this unique cultural phenomenon, the viewers are invited to join the charismatic British YouTuber, Chris Broad, widely popular across the globe for his Japan-focused content. Accompanied by his friend and frequent collaborator, Natsuki Aso, they lead this fascinating expedition across Japan, mapping out the impact and influence of cats through various dimensions of day-to-day Japanese life and society as a whole.

Cat Nation goes beyond just highlighting the obvious love for cats that is evident in Japan - it digs deeper to unearth the historical, spiritual, and social aspects that contribute to Japan's unique cat culture. The movie showcases how this feline fascination has seeped into virtually every corner of Japanese lifestyle and consciousness, from popular media and entertainment to religion and folklore.

The documentary takes audiences on a tour of diverse locations like Cat Island - Aoshima, where cats outnumber humans significantly, to various cat cafes scattered all over Japan. It explores the economic implications of this trend as the film delves into cat-based businesses, from feline-themed merchandising to real estate catering exclusively to cat lovers. The depth to which the love for cats has influenced Japan's economy and society is both intriguing and entertaining.

The documentary also observes various cat icons treasured in Japanese folklore and popular culture, such as the 'Maneki-neko' or the 'beckoning cat' - a common talisman believed to bring good fortune to its owner. Similarly, it highlights the role of 'Hello Kitty', and other cat characters that have become a significant part of global pop-culture, originating from Japan. These examples serve as undeniable proof of Japan's obsession with these charming creatures and how they have become a constant in the country's ever-evolving cultural narrative.

The filmmakers also capture the emotional, humane side of this cat passion by featuring heartwarming stories of individuals for whom cats offer companionship, comfort, and a strange sense of belonging. These narratives, sometimes touching and sometimes amusing, uniquely bind the film together, providing a soulful, emotional backdrop to the otherwise social disquisition.

Broad, with his engaging storytelling, and Aso, with his lively and enthusiastic demeanour, prove to be the perfect narrators for a topic as lively, delicate, and complex as this one. They manage to strike a balance between reporting the factual insights and maintaining the vibrant, sometimes eccentric spirit that surrounds Japan's relationship with cats.

Cinematographically, Cat Nation is shot and directed beautifully, offering a perfect blend of stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. The filmmakers capture the essence of cities and townscapes with as much finesse as they capture the expressions of the feline bandwagon, adding a visually pleasing dimension to the entire narrative.

With a runtime of about 60 minutes, Cat Nation, despite being a documentary, unfolds like a captivating adventure embarked upon by Broad and Aso. Their journey traverses physical and emotional landscapes, dissecting Japan's rich tapestry of culture and history through its connection with cats. As they journey across skyscraper-filled cities and quaint island settlements, they encounter a myriad of emotions, creating a film that is as much about discovering human sentiments as it is about unravelling the fascination with cats.

Cat Nation: A film about Japan's crazy cat culture is more than just a documentary for cat lovers or Japanophiles. It is a study of a unique socio-cultural phenomenon, a journey of discovery, and a testament to Japan's fascinating love affair with the feline species. This entertaining, illuminating, and often touching voyage through Japan's "cat nation" is sure to keep viewers engaged and offers invaluable insights into a culture that blends tradition and modernity and its affectionate bond with its feline friends.