A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Season 3
2024 • 20 Episodes
Episodes
1. Shiga: Lake Biwa and Tanuki Raccoon Dogs
May 12, 2024
We visit Japan's largest and oldest lake, Lake Biwa. A cat leads us to an overlook with a great view of the lake. We meet another cat hiding among the multitude of wares at a Shigaraki ceramics shop.
2. Yamanashi: Aiming for the Peak
May 19, 2024
We take in Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and meet some cats on the way. A cat named Bond carries out top-secret missions at a peach orchard. Another cat patrols its home—a 100-year-old winery.
3. Tokushima: A Breath of Ocean Air
May 26, 2024
Tokushima has long been famed for its indigo. We visit an indigo-dyeing workshop and meet their mascot, Natsu. Next, we make a wish at a shrine that's popular with cats and cat lovers alike.
4. Beppu: A Steam-Filled Onsen Resort
June 2, 2024
We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!
5. Nara's Todaiji Temple: Deer and Cats
June 9, 2024
Todaiji Temple is a World Heritage Site. We encounter cats—and also deer—who live at the temple. One cat keeps an eye on his owner's pickle shop. Another cat enjoys listening to flute music.
6. Okayama: A View of the Seto Inland Sea
July 7, 2024
Cats show off their climbing skills at a spot overlooking the sea. On the island of Mushima, we meet a cat who takes us to a field of daffodils. The cats tease Iwago by hiding among the flowers.
7. Toyama: The Fruits of a Fall Harvest
July 14, 2024
A cat patrols the rice fields, but there's always time for a midday nap. At a vineyard, we get a tour from a cat named Pinot Noir! He's popular with visitors but always plays it cool.
8. Chichibu: The Great Outdoors with Cats
July 21, 2024
Chichibu is a mountainous region with lots of natural beauty. Cats keep watch over a field of red spider lilies and even guide visitors through the mountains! We also meet a cat who lives at a shrine.
9. Kagoshima: A Turtle, Tea Fields, and Cats
July 28, 2024
A local cat guides us to a fairy tale palace—or rather, a shrine that looks like the palace! Together with Iwago, we visit scenic spots, including a tea farm that's patrolled by an early-rising cat.
10. Miyazaki: Flowers, Archery, and a Festival
August 4, 2024
A cat takes a nap among the fragrant flowers at a farm that grows sweet pea flowers. Another cat takes a nap at an archery range! We meet more local cats as residents celebrate a unique tradition.
11. Mie: Comfy Cats Sitting in Laps
September 15, 2024
Mama cat Koyuki lives at a pottery workshop and is raising two playful kittens. Taisho, who lives at a fruit shop, keeps an eye on the shopping arcade. Both cats love resting on their owner's laps!
12. Iwate: Land of History and Horses
September 21, 2024
Chibita is a friendly cat who lives at a souvenir shop near Chusonji Temple, a World Heritage Site. Popo lives at a horseback riding club with 20 horses! At a rose garden, we meet handsome Kikujiro.
13. Kagawa: A Cat Island Paradise
September 28, 2024
Sanagijima Island is home to lots of free-roaming cats. Kuji rests on some cool shrine steps. Other cats hang out close to the sea, carefully making their way along a seawall. What are they doing?
14. Tsugaru: A Playful Autumn
October 5, 2024
Ricky was born in an apple orchard. It's a perfect playground for mischievous kittens! Peh spends the autumn in golden rice fields, hiding and hunting grasshoppers. Watch out for his pounce!
15. Fukui: Tojinbo Cliffs and Lacquerware
October 12, 2024
Kuro fearlessly patrols the rugged and rocky Tojinbo Cliffs and the nearby shopping street. Quu lives at a lacquerware workshop. She makes her owner's legs fall asleep when she sits on his lap!
16. Hakodate: The Bounties of a Seaside City
November 3, 2024
The seaside town of Hakodate has long flourished as a port. One savvy cat waits by a fisherman, hoping he'll share his catch! We meet more local cats at a fish market and a historic graveyard.
17. Karuizawa: A Relaxing Summer Retreat
November 10, 2024
Karuizawa is cool even in summer, making it a popular resort town. We meet local cats at a fashionable home goods shop and a restaurant in a remodeled folk home. They're sure to bring in customers!
18. Yamagata: A Glimpse of Japanese Beauty
November 17, 2024
We visit a cat at a serene temple garden with a 500-year history. Then, we encounter cats with artisan owners, including a knitting expert and a man who hand carves shogi (Japanese chess) pieces.
19. Aichi: A Cat Temple and Ceramics
November 24, 2024
At a temple once believed to have been home to a dragon, we meet 20 playful cats. They show off their favorite spots and play together. Next, we visit Tokoname and meet a real-life beckoning cat!
20. Ibaraki: Cats in a Surfer's Paradise
December 1, 2024
A cat hangs out with her owners, a family of surfers who run a beach café. This cool cat gets along with her family's dog, too! Next, we meet a shy cat at a surfboard and skateboard shop.