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'The Book of Cats' (Japanese Edition) Translated and Edited by Naoki Yanase　Amazon.co.jp This volume collects 16 literary works by authors ranging from Huxley and Mark Twain to Gallico and Sartre. Genres include mystery, fantasy and even poetry. What ties them all together is the theme of cats. In addition, the book can almost be viewed as an art monograph, considering it features reproductions of famous cat paintings by the likes of Picasso, Chagall and Klee. This edition was translated by the genuine cat-lover, Naoki Yanase, who was involved in the formulation of 'Cat Day'.

'Koneko no Neru' (Japanese Version of 'Kitten Nell') Story and Illustrations by Dick Bruna, Translated by Momoko Ishii ￥735　Amazon.co.jp Created by Dutch graphic designer and children's book author, Dick Bruna. Beginning with 'Miffy' in 1955, Bruna's illustrated books are known for their special use of 8 colors - often referred to as 'Bruna Color'. Influenced by Matisse, Bruna's bold designs and lucid stories have led his work to be loved by people all around the world. The cats that Bruna drew feature large green eyes. In the story 'Kitten Nell', a kitten has an out of this world experience when she rides a fish to meet an indian.

'Nearnes Collections' by Genpei Akasegawa 　￥1,890　Amazon.co.jp As a painter, writer and art critic, the multitalented Genpei Akasegawa was truly one of a kind. This publication is the guidebook to the 'Matatabi Art Museum', a gallery established inside of Genpei Akasegawa's vivid imagination. It features a line up of 'cat masterpieces' by the likes of impressionists such as Renoir and Gauguin and popular 20th century painters including Chagall, Picasso and Foujita. Looking through this book, which also includes Akasegawa's humor-filled essays, one cannot help but notice that it was both created by and made for cat lovers.

Edo-neko Ukiyoe Nekotzukushi' by Shinichi Inagaki and Toshihiko Isao　￥1,995　Amazon.co.jp This is the first book in Japan to exclusively collect 'ukiyoe' (woodblock print) images of cats. The volume features carefully selected works by the most notable wood block print artists of the Edo Period, including Hiroshige Utagawa, Kyosai Kawanabe, Kuniyoshi Utagawa and Harunobu Suzuki. An astoundingly wide variety of felines can be seen in the works, such as humorously adorable dancing cats, frightening ghost-like cats, cats playing with beautiful women and cats at work as if they are humans. Whether it's the Edo Period (1603-1868) or today, cats never seem to lose their free-spirited character. That said, this volume helps us learn more about life in the Edo period.

“A cat, a man, and two women (Neko to Syoujyo to Futari no onna)” by Junichiro Tanizaki ￥340 Amazon.co.jp A famous Japanese fiction from Showa period novelist, Junichiro Tanizaki, “A cat, a man, and two women” As the title suggests, the story illustrates a cat named Lilly, a man who falls in love with the cat Lilly, a lover who becomes fatally jealous of the cat and an ex-wife who believes that she can win him back through Lilly. Tanizaki describes the cat to its even finest hair in beautiful words as well as what a ‘cat person’ is capable of doing for a cat he/or she loves as a human being. The novel has been translated into English as well by Paul McCarthy.

'All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat (and Then Some)' by Suzy Becker Translated by Shuntaro Tanigawa 1300 yen Amazon.co.jp This bible for cat-lovers is admired all around the world. Becker's illustrated book contains wisdom on how to go about one's daily life based on the profound observations of Binky the cat. It includes sobering truths such as "Don't think too far beyond your next meal," "Celebrate the days you can open windows," and "Know all the sunny places." The Japanese edition was translated by poet Shuntaro Tanigawa, who fell in love with the original English version. As a bonus, it comes with a wonderful card that you can give to someone as a present.

Nekogo no Kyokasho (Text book for Talking Cat) 　Amazon A fiction written from a cat’s point of view. An article arrived at a journalism editor’s desk, nothing out of the norm. At closer examination, the article was written by a female cat using a typewriter. The pitch of the article is a manual on living with a human, few of the given tips include “Men are easier to get to than women” or “When asking for something, a simple ‘meow’ can get you miles ahead.” The book also features illustrations by Yumiko Oshima, famous for her cat manga drawings.  

Krafft-Ebing Presents 'Cats' 　Amazon.co.jp In this volume of classic short stories, meet the cats that the heavyweights of Japanese literature loved and lived with. Originally released in 1955, this new edition has been carefully revised by the writer/book designer duo, Krafft-Ebing. Through these literary gems, you can meet the happy cats that brightened the lives of writers and artists such as Junichiro Tanizaki, Masuji Ibuse and Genichiro Inokuma.