Unveiling the Mystery of Nekomata: Japan’s Two-Tailed Cat
When travelers think of cats in Japan, the image that usually comes to mind is the Kawaii (cute) Hello Kitty or the lucky Maneki Neko beckoning with a raised paw. However, dig a little deeper into Japanese folklore, and you will find a creature that is far less cuddly and far more formidable: the Nekomata.
For cultural travelers and folklore enthusiasts, understanding the Nekomata offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker, more mysterious side of Japanese mythology. This creature, a cat with a forked tail and supernatural abilities, has haunted the Japanese imagination for centuries. Here is everything you need to know about this legendary beast.
The Origins of the Beast
The term Nekomata (猫又) generally translates to “forked cat.” The etymology is debated; some scholars believe it comes from the word mata (forking/branching), referring to the creature’s split tail, while others suggest it relates to old words for wandering into the mountains.
Historically, the Nekomata falls into two distinct categories based on the era of the legend:
- The Mountain Nekomata: In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Nekomata were described as large, beast-like monsters living deep in the mountains. They were said to be as big as large dogs or boars and would prey on humans who wandered too far off the path.
- The Domestic Transformation: By the Edo period (1603–1867), the legend shifted closer to home. The belief grew that domestic cats, upon reaching a certain age (often cited as very old) or weight, would transform into Yokai. Their tails would split in two, granting them magical powers and the ability to walk on their hind legs.
The Legend: Powers and Manifestations
Why were the Japanese people of the Edo period so afraid of their elderly pets? The Nekomata represents the concept that everyday objects or animals can gain a soul or power through longevity.
According to folklore, once a cat transforms into a Nekomata, it gains disturbing abilities. Unlike the Bakeneko (another type of supernatural cat that can shapeshift), the Nekomata is specifically defined by its forked tail and its connection to necromancy.
Legends claim that Nekomata can:
- Manipulate the Dead: They are often depicted controlling corpses like puppets, forcing them to perform dances or terrorize the living.
- Speak Human Languages: High-level Nekomata can converse with humans, though they rarely have nice things to say.
- Walk Upright: They abandon their quadrupedal stance to walk on two legs, often wearing towels on their heads or dressing in human clothes to mock their owners.
- Create Fire: Ghostly fireballs often accompany them, leading to unexplained conflagrations in ancient Japanese cities.
One famous superstition born from this legend was the practice of bobbing cats’ tails. Many Japanese cat breeds, like the Japanese Bobtail, have short tails. Historically, some owners believed that by cutting the tail short, they could prevent it from forking, thus stopping their beloved pet from becoming a monster.
Nekomata in Modern Culture
Despite their fearsome reputation in history, modern pop culture has embraced the Nekomata, often softening its image.
If you are a fan of anime or video games, you have likely already encountered a Nekomata:
- Pokémon: The Psychic-type Pokémon Espeon is believed to be inspired by the Nekomata due to its split tail and mystical abilities.
- Naruto: The “Two-Tails” (Matatabi) is a massive spectral cat made of blue flames, a direct homage to the legend.
- InuYasha: The character Kirara is a two-tailed cat demon that accompanies the protagonists, capable of flying and transforming into a giant saber-toothed beast.
- Yokai Watch: This popular franchise features Jibanyan, a ghost cat, though he leans more toward the Bakeneko trope.
The transition from a corpse-animating monster to a magical companion reflects Japan’s unique ability to modernize its ancient myths.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Cat Spirit
If you are visiting Japan and want to explore the culture surrounding the Nekomata and cats in general, here are a few destinations to add to your itinerary:
1. Mount Nekomata (Toyama Prefecture)
For the adventurous hiker, there is an actual mountain named Nekomata-yama in the Northern Japanese Alps. It is a challenging climb, but the name serves as a geographical nod to the old mountain-dwelling legends.
2. The Cat Temple: Gotokuji (Tokyo)
While Gotokuji is famous for the Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat) rather than the Nekomata, it is an essential stop for anyone interested in feline folklore. The sheer number of cat statues creates a surreal, slightly eerie atmosphere that bridges the gap between cute and supernatural.
3. Yanaka Ginza (Tokyo)
Known as “Cat Town,” this old-fashioned shopping street survived the WWII air raids. It is famous for its stray cats and cat-themed shops. Visit the Yanakado shop to buy charms that might protect you from—or attract—mischievous spirits.
4. The Yokai Street (Kyoto)
Kyoto’s Taishogun Shopping Street is dedicated to Yokai. Here, you can find handmade statues of various monsters outside shop fronts. Keep an eye out for feline figures among the grotesque parade.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the Nekomata and Japanese mythology, consider exploring these historical texts and collections:
- Turezuregusa (Essays in Idleness): Written by the monk Yoshida Kenko in the 14th century, this text contains one of the earliest written accounts of the Nekomata, describing it as a beast in the mountains that eats humans.
- Meigetsuki (The Record of the Clear Moon): A diary by Fujiwara no Teika from the early 13th century that mentions a strange beast resembling a cat with the eyes of a cat and the body of a large dog.
- Gazu Hyakki Yagyo (The Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons): While not a text like the Kojiki, this 18th-century art book by Toriyama Sekien provided the visual template for how we imagine the Nekomata today.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While the Nekomata specifically appears in later medieval texts, the Nihon Shoki establishes the animistic worldview (Shinto) that allows for animals to possess spirits and powers, laying the groundwork for all Yokai folklore.
Japan’s folklore is as deep as it is dark. The next time you see a stray cat in a Tokyo alleyway, check its tail. If it’s split in two, you might just be in the presence of a legend.