Cat Possession (Nekotsuki): Exploring Japan’s Supernatural Felines
Japan is world-renowned for its obsession with everything “kawaii” (cute), and nowhere is this more evident than in its love affair with cats. From the ubiquitous Hello Kitty to the prevalence of cat cafes in Tokyo, the feline is a beloved icon. However, scratch beneath the surface of this adorable facade, and you will find a darker, more mysterious history. In Japanese folklore, cats are not just pets; they are powerful spiritual vessels capable of transformation, revenge, and Nekotsuki—Cat Possession.
As a traveler exploring the cultural depths of Japan, understanding the duality of the cat—as both a lucky charm and a potential monster—adds a fascinating layer to your journey. Here is the eerie and enchanting history of cat possession in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Origins: From Pest Control to Paranormal Threat
To understand Nekotsuki, one must look at how cats arrived in Japan. Historical records suggest cats were imported from China around the mid-6th century, primarily to protect Buddhist scriptures from mice on ships. For centuries, they were rare, leashed luxuries of the aristocracy.
The turning point in feline folklore occurred in 1602, during the Edo period, when the government decreed that all cats should be set free to combat a silkworm-eating rodent plague. Suddenly, cats were everywhere—feral, mysterious, and nocturnal. Their ability to walk silently, their glowing eyes, and the static electricity generated by their fur sparked fear among the superstitious populace.
The core of the superstition revolves around age and size. It was believed that when a cat lived too long (often over 13 years) or grew a tail that was too long, it would transform into a Yōkai (spirit monster). The tail would split into two, birthing a Nekomata (forked-cat) or a Bakeneko (changing cat), beings capable of possessing humans.
The Legend of the Possessed
Nekotsuki refers specifically to the phenomenon where a cat spirit possesses a human. Unlike the Western idea of demonic possession, which is often violent and chaotic, Japanese cat possession is often more psychological and transformative.
According to folklore, a Bakeneko could shapeshift into a human or possess a woman to devour her life energy. One of the most famous legends is the “Vampire Cat of Nabeshima.” In this tale from the Saga Domain, a large cat kills the lover of a Prince and assumes her form. Each night, the “woman” would drain the Prince’s blood, weakening him. The possession was only revealed when a guard noticed the woman’s shadow was shaped like a cat with two tails.
In village folklore, Nekotsuki was often used to explain sudden illness or erratic behavior. If a person began licking water, eating rotting fish, or acting with feline agility, they were said to be suffering from cat possession. The belief was so strong that people would cut the tails off kittens to prevent them from growing long enough to split and turn into monsters—a reason why the Japanese Bobtail breed became so historically popular.
Modern Culture: From Horror to Heroism
Today, the terrifying Nekotsuki has been largely tamed by pop culture, though the roots remain visible. The image of the two-tailed cat persists in anime and manga, often stripped of its murderous intent and given a more mischievous or heroic role.
- Pokémon: The character Espeon draws inspiration from the Bakeneko, with its forked tail and psychic abilities.
- Naruto: The Two-Tailed Beast (Matatabi) is a direct reference to the Nekomata legend, depicted as a spectral cat composed of blue flames.
- Blue Exorcist: The character Kuro is a Cat Sídhe (a similar concept) that transforms from a small pet into a giant demon cat.
- Studio Ghibli: The Catbus in My Neighbor Totoro and the Baron in The Cat Returns play on the magical, shapeshifting abilities of cats, though in a whimsical rather than horrific manner.
Despite the “cute” makeover, the genre of J-Horror still occasionally dips into the well of Nekotsuki, utilizing the uncanny agility and glowing eyes of cats to unsettle audiences.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Supernatural Cat
If you are fascinated by the legends of Nekotsuki and Yōkai, there are specific spots in Japan you must visit to feel the history:
1. The Cat Temple (Gotokuji), Tokyo
While famous for the Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat) which is a symbol of luck, the sheer number of cat statues here can feel overwhelming and supernatural. It provides a great atmosphere to contemplate the spiritual weight cats hold in Japanese culture.
2. Yōkai Street (Ichijo-dori), Kyoto
This shopping street is dedicated to monsters. You can find statues and shops celebrating various Yōkai, including the Nekomata. It is less about fear and more about celebrating the folklore heritage of the ancient capital.
3. Prince Nabeshima’s Grave, Saga Prefecture
For the truly adventurous, visiting the region associated with the Nabeshima Ghost Cat legend offers a deep dive into local history. The connection between the Nabeshima clan and the cat curse is a staple of local storytelling.
4. Kagurazaka, Tokyo
This neighborhood is famous for its association with Natsume Soseki, the author of I Am A Cat. While not about possession, the area embraces the “intellectual cat” vibe. During the Bakeneko Festival held here annually (usually in October), participants dress up as supernatural cats and parade through the streets—a perfect way to experience Nekotsuki firsthand!
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the textual history of Japanese spirits and cats, the following classical texts and collections are essential:
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): One of the earliest written records mentioning the importation and status of cats in Japan.
- Taihei Hyakumonogatari: A collection of supernatural tales from the Edo period that solidified many tropes regarding the Bakeneko.
- The Catalpa Bow: A study by Carmen Blacker that explores shamanistic practices in Japan, including spirit possession (tsukimono).
- Kwaidan: Lafcadio Hearn’s famous collection of ghost stories which introduced many Japanese oddities to the Western world.
Japan’s cats are more than just photo opportunities; they are keepers of ancient secrets. The next time you see a stray cat slipping into the shadows of a Kyoto alley, check its tail—you never know if you are looking at a pet or a Nekomata in disguise.