Nekogami: Worshiping the Sacred Cat Gods of Japan
When travelers think of Japan and cats, images of waving Maneki Neko figurines or bustling Tokyo cat cafes often come to mind. However, the Japanese reverence for felines runs far deeper than modern pop culture or cute aesthetics. In the Shinto tradition and Japanese folklore, cats have long been elevated to the status of deities known as Nekogami (猫神), or “Cat Gods.”
From protecting ancient silkworms to guiding samurai in battle, the Nekogami represents a fascinating intersection of agriculture, history, and spiritualism. For the cultural traveler, understanding these feline deities unlocks a hidden layer of Japan’s spiritual landscape.
The Origins of Feline Worship
To understand why cats became gods, one must look at the practical role they played in feudal Japan. Cats were likely introduced to Japan from China around the 6th century, primarily to protect sacred Buddhist scriptures from mice on ships. However, their role quickly expanded into agriculture.
Guardians of Silk and Grain
During the Edo period, sericulture (silk farming) was a pillar of the Japanese economy. Silkworms were incredibly vulnerable to rats and mice. Consequently, cats became the natural protectors of the livelihood of farmers. This utility evolved into reverence; when a cat died, it was often buried with honor, and shrines were erected to beseech the spirit of the cat to continue protecting the farm from the spirit world.
While the Bakeneko (monster cat) represents the fearful, shape-shifting side of feline folklore, the Nekogami is the benevolent protector, ensuring the harvest and safety of the home.
Legends of the Divine Cat
While there are many shrines dedicated to cats across Japan, the most famous legend of the Nekogami is rooted in military history rather than agriculture. It centers on the Shimazu clan of Kagoshima.
The Time-Telling Cats of Kagoshima
According to legend, in the late 16th century, the warlord Shimazu Yoshihiro took seven cats with him when he deployed his forces to Korea. These were not mere pets; they were tactical tools. It was believed that the pupils of a cat’s eyes changed shape according to the time of day—narrowing at high noon and dilating in the dark. In an era before wristwatches, these cats served as living clocks, helping the samurai coordinate attacks and movements.
Of the seven cats, only two survived the campaign and returned to Japan. Out of gratitude for their service and survival, Shimazu Yoshihiro enshrined them. Today, the Nekogami Shrine in Kagoshima stands in their honor. Unlike other shrines that might feature foxes (Inari) or lion-dogs (Komainu), this shrine is distinctly feline, dedicated to the spirits of those loyal military cats.
Nekogami in Modern Culture
The worship of Nekogami has seamlessly transitioned into modern Japanese culture, blending animism with the country’s love for kawaii (cute) aesthetics. The reverence has shifted from agricultural protection to general good fortune and companionship.
Today, the spirit of Nekogami lives on in:
- The Maneki Neko: While not always considered a “god” in the strict sense, the beckoning cat found in Gotokuji Temple is revered as a bodhisattva of mercy and fortune.
- Cat Day (Nyan Nyan Nyan Day): Celebrated on February 22nd, this unofficial holiday sees shrines across Japan holding special rites for the longevity and health of pet cats.
- Pop Culture: Characters like Hello Kitty or the spirits in Studio Ghibli films often draw from the deep-seated cultural belief that cats possess a spiritual essence.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Cat Gods
If you are a felid-loving traveler hoping to pay your respects to the Nekogami, here are the essential destinations and tips for your itinerary.
1. Nekogami Shrine (Kagoshima)
Located within the beautiful Sengan-en Garden, this is the site dedicated to the Shimazu clan’s time-telling cats. It is customary to buy a wooden ema (prayer plaque) shaped like a cat, write a wish for your own pet’s health, and hang it at the shrine.
2. Neko Shrine (Tashirojima)
Tashirojima, known globally as “Cat Island” in Miyagi Prefecture, has a higher population of cats than humans. In the center of the island lies a shrine dedicated to a cat that was accidentally killed by a falling rock. Fishermen revere this Nekogami, believing that feeding and caring for the stray cats brings large catches and safety at sea.
3. Konoshimaniimasu Amaterasu Mitama Shrine (Kyoto)
Located on the grounds of this shrine is a rare statue of a cat, often cited as a guardian against mice for the silkworm industry of the past. It offers a quieter, more historical look at feline worship compared to the tourist-heavy spots.
Etiquette
When visiting these shrines, the etiquette is the same as any Shinto site: bow at the torii gate, wash your hands at the basin, and offer a small coin (usually 5 yen) before praying. However, at Nekogami shrines, it is polite to pray specifically for the well-being of animals.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into Japanese mythology and animal spirits, the following texts and historical records provide essential context:
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): While it focuses on major deities, it establishes the animistic foundation of Japanese religion where nature and animals are revered.
- Records of the Shimazu Clan: Historical archives in Kagoshima detailing the military campaigns of the late 16th century.
- Yanagita Kunio’s Folklore Studies: Various essays by the father of Japanese folklore studies often touch upon the role of animals in village religion.
Whether you are a historian or simply a cat lover, visiting a Nekogami shrine offers a unique glimpse into a culture that recognizes the divine in the eyes of a cat.