Video: "Japan Cats," a min-documentary about cats in Japanese culture

I was hired to host this short documentary film about the central role cats play in Japanese culture. "Japan Cats," directed by Academy Award nominee Geoffrey O'Connor and shot in Wakayama and Tokyo, was a lot of fun to make, and I remain honored to be a small part of it. No 'weird Japan' clickbait memes, but a rich look at the deeper connections, spiritual and personal, between the Japanese and their cats.

Yes, there's Natsume Soseki's "I am a Cat," Hello Kitty, Doraemon, nearly everything written by Haruki Murakami, Maneki Neko ("Lucky Cat"), Bakeneko ("shapeshifting cat") and plenty more. But there's also Tama, the stationmaster cat, and her successor, Nitama (Tama 2), whom you'll meet here, along with cat cafes and memorials.

Thanks to AMV BBDO for producing, and SHEBA for supporting. Hope you enjoy the show.

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