interview
Picture book author Sakai Komako is known for titles such as 'Kuma to Yamaneko' (Bear and WIldcat) and 'Hanna-chan ga Mewo Samashitara' (When Hanna Woke Up). These works depict animals and the world of children with a unique sensibility. Sakai lives with Mitsu and Koto, a pair of beautiful grey Russian Blues. We asked her about how she met these cats and what they've added to her life.
Beautiful Grey Cats
- How did you encounter Mitsu and Koto?
"I always wanted to have a cat. As soon as I moved into this house, I started to look for a grey cat. I came upon a breeder in the Shikoku area who brought the four-month old Mitsu to me. About two years later, I heard Mitsu's mom had kittens again, so that's when Koto came to live with us."
- Why were you so fascinated with grey cats?
"There is a novel by Yoshiyuki Rie titled 'Chiisana Kifujin' (Small Lady). It contains a story about a grey cat. I like both the story and the color grey, so I guess that's why. But now that I think back, I guess any cat that I might have encountered would have been fine."
- What was it like to actually start living with cats?
"When I was a child, we had a dog. However, my parents took care of it mostly. So this is really my first experience to live so closely with an animal. I was initially so amazed by how tidy and smart they are. Cats become housebroken very quickly. They come up to me in order to communicate - mainly conveying messages about food, the toilet and playing. Cats are such smart animals in the way that they can take care of themselves! Mitsu never goofed around when she was little, but as she grew up, she became more conscious about her territory. If there's something that doesn't seem reasonable to her, she will start punching and use a threatening voice. Sometimes when she sees a stray cat outside the window, she will start punching and take it out on me! (laughs) I didn't understand at first why she was attacking me, but I guess that's her nature. She forgets about it after she's calmed down."
- So Mitsu is kind of a goof ball?
"She is actually very responsible. She doesn't chum up with Koto so much. However, for example, when I try to apply eyedrops to Koto, Mitsu will come running out to see what Koto is crying about. Or sometimes, when I am crying after having a fight with my family, she will come up to me and meow just to say, 'What's wrong?' Mitsu must think that she's responsible for everyone's well-being."
- Did Mitsu change after Koto arrived?
"When Koto came into our house for the first time, Mitsu looked a little heartbroken to me. I was thinking they would be friends right away, but after Mitsu saw Koto sitting on her favorite pillow, she didn't even enter the room for about two months. But now they are closer - close enough to play tag together."
- What kind of character does Koto have?
"She is still childish and very much spoiled. When she first came to live with us, Koto was very quiet and still. So we took her to the vet and were told that she had a tooth-related disease. We treated her with a medication, but she then became unable to eat on her own. We ended up making her go through a major operation - all her teeth were pulled out. I couldn't tell whether or not it was the right thing to do, but she was suffering. After recovering from the operation, Koto became a much more active cat. Cats don't understand why they have to go to the vet, even if the purpose is to heal them. I was worried that I was putting too much stress on her. However, the results have been good. In addition to being much more active, Koto now eats a lot."
- What kind of relationship do you have with your two cats?
"For Koto, I know I'm her mother. For Mitsu, I was her mother at first. However, as we went along the hierarchy started to change and we eventually became equals, then friends. Recently she's become more haughty, kind of acting like she's my older sister. Mitsu, myself, then Koto - it seems like that's the pecking order. Mitsu and I protect Koto together. Whenever there's an earthquake, Mitsu and I glance at each other then we start looking for Koto right away."
When Cats Touch Us
- What's the best thing about living with cats?
"I know they are cats, but quite often I feel as if I am living with people. Until I lived with cats, I felt alone at home when my family was away at work. But now that I have cats, I feel more comfortable. I can't measure the importance of their existence to me. Everybody says that pets are like part of the family, and I definitely agree. If you live together, they really do become family members."
- In your picture book 'Bear and Wildcat', the theme seems to be loss. Since cats don't live as long as humans, we often think about what the future will bring.
"I can't help but feel uneasy when I think about what will happen when the cats are no longer with me. It's scary to think about the sense of loss I will suffer when I lose them. I mean, I sleep and eat with them every day. I've never experienced something like that. It gives me the shivers when I think about it from time to time."
- Is there anything you pay a lot of attention to when you draw cats?
"Last year, I published a book titled 'When Hanna Woke Up'. A cat appears in it. The thing I wanted to depict the most was the part where the cat takes a pee. Cats put on this serious face, a kind of philosophical look when they go to the bathroom, don't they? That's what I wanted to depict. Moreover, I wanted to express the beauty of a cat's shape - like when a cat is stretching. Russian Blues are especially beautiful. But it doesn't matter what kind - once you have a cat, all cats, even ugly strays will start looking pretty to you. I guess that's something that changed in me after I started living with cats. At the moment, no animal lives closer to me than a cat. Even when I draw other animals, cats are there as the standard animal form. They are the starting point for my imagination."
- What most attracts you to cats?
"Maybe it's how cats are so different from me. They are way smarter than me. Cats and humans are different species. Yet, when people are feeling sad, cats will come close to us. They will take care of smaller animals. Every time I see videos of cats taking care of babies on YouTube, I am amazed by how gentle and smart they are. Once, when I took a half-stray cat to the vet, he got all excited while he was being treated and tried to bite my hand. However, he quickly realized his mistake and stopped. He looked sincerely sorry. I was like, 'what a gentleman are you!' They don't act on their feelings alone, but they do care about others. When I get to come in contact with these human-like qualities in cats, I get such a strange feeling. It's as if I just witnessed a very beautiful moment."
With its focus on "boyishness", Matsui Seishin is attracting much attention with his design work for the 'Sise' men's fashion label, which has been included in shows such as the Tokyo Collection. Matsui is currently living with a 7-year old male cat named SOU. Considering that fashion items done in a cat motif have become all the rage, we interviewed the fashion designer to learn why life with a beautiful cat is so fascinating.
Living alongside cats since birth
- What instigated your life with cats?
"Since the moment I was born, there has always been a cat. We had five cats at home, including an American Shorthair, a Ragdoll, a Himalayan, and a kitty of mixed breed. After moving away to Tokyo, I constantly desired a cat, but my one-room apartment was just too small. So that I could get a cat, I eventually decided to rent a bigger place along with my younger sister. We ended up renting a house that was not only big enough for a cat, but big enough for me to set up my own studio in a spare room. That is how I came to start my own brand. Because you need a pretty big space to make clothes, I probably wouldn't even have started the whole enterprise if I hadn't have taken that room. So I guess you can say the cat started everything."
- How did you encounter SOU?
"I had wanted to get a Bengal, so I did some research. After finding a breeder, I went to visit with my sister. They only had normal American Shorthairs, but I told them we were looking for either a Red Tabby or a Brown Tabby. They then brought SOU out from the back room. The way he looked in their arms was rather silly (laughs). We decided to get him right on the spot. He has a unique pattern for an American Shorthair. And even though he's been neutered for seven years, he never puts on weight. SOU's keeping his kitty-shape."
- Do you notice any changes in yourself after coming to live with SOU?
"Even though we had cats back at home, my mother was always the one who took care of their food and litter. She would take them to the vet when they got sick. But for SOU, of course, I am the one who takes care of him. This doesn't mean just giving him his daily meals. I took care of things such as vaccinations and getting him neutered. I am offering him all the love I have to offer. I think I would be pretty helpless for at least a year if SOU ever passed away. That's how scared I am of losing him. My sister is living on her own now, and she got herself a black cat. If you have lived all your life with a cat, you just can't imagine living without one."
- What kind of personality does SOU have?
"He is very spoiled. I kind of wish he would be more cat-like. You know, more care-free and independent. He wakes me up for his breakfast and demands to be held the moment I come home. When I start using the bathroom, I guess he figures out that I am getting ready to go out, so he starts meowing. SOU loves to play. He wildly runs and jumps around when he encounters catnip. I feed him dry food from 'Science Diet'. Though he likes the cheap canned food from the convenience stores, I try to give him dry food as much as possible. This includes dried fish flakes twice a day - in the morning and at night. I give him a little snack every now and then as well. Basically, he doesn't seem to be very picky about food. For his litter box, I use the 'Nyantomo Seiketsu Toilet'. For his claw sharpener, I use the linen type. It produces less garbage than cardboard type. I thought that he might want to experience higher places, so I gave him a cat tower for his seventh birthday. However, he never plays on it."
The 'It Cat' as opposed to the 'It Girl'!
- The relationship between fashion designers and cats, like Karl Lagerfeld and his recent obsession with his beloved cat "Choupette", has resulted in the characterization of cats as a fashion symbol. Cats are treated as if they are muses. What kind of relationship do you have with SOU?？
"SOU is the cat who started the brand. I use his name for the serial numbers of my products. For example, 'SOU-0011'. He definitely is an important key to my creativity. He is the 'It Cat' as opposed to the 'It Girl'. In fact, the name 'SOU' came from the first kanji character in the word 'Souzou' (imagination/creativity). Of course, I also wanted to put the 'S' sound in it, considering my name is 'Seishin' and the brand is called 'Sise'. His delicate beauty also represents the brand image."
- Recently, brands like Stella McCartney and Miu Miu have produced many items based on the cat motif. Now it even seems like the trend has transcended seasonal fashion and has kind of become a standard.
"I thought the cat-print T-shirts by a London-based brand called Shaun Samson were very cool. This motif is difficult to use for mens fashion because cats are so sweet-looking. Though I love cats, I don't have any interest in cat-related goods… Someday, however, I do want to use the pattern of SOU for a print."
- Does SOU have an influence on your work?
"My home and the office used to be one and the same, so there were always a lot of visitors coming and going. Models would come for dress fittings and the like. For the direction and fitting teams, who often worked late into the night before shows, SOU was a kind of comfort. He didn't mind taking a nap on top of business documents. SOU was capable of relaxing the tense mood of the workplace. Of course, after MARK-STYLER took over management of the brand, we had to move our meetings to the new office. However, we couldn't help but feel awkward without having SOU around. I suspect that SOU felt lonely as well. The care-free nature of my cat surely made things go smoother back then."
- What about cats is most attractive to you?？
"They are beautiful form-wise. They have a high degree of perfection. Moreover, I like the way they usually avoid me. However, when I am having a hard time they naturally sense it and come a little closer. This superb sense of distance, never getting too close or too far away, could teach humans a lot about relationships. People get spoiled if relationships are too close. However, we get estranged if they grow too far apart. Cats are very good at this. They know how to be loved by people. They are naturally good at this form of devilish bargaining. It makes us unable to stop caring for them. Cats would make very capable employees if they were human. They look good. They can sense the mood of a place. And they are where they are supposed to be. They may disappear occasionally, but they will attract people with their charisma... Just like a selfish designer (laughs). Cats are very strange animals, that's for sure."
In addition to designing for the 'Made in COLKINIKHA' fashion brand, Sakai Keito is active as a model and musician. She currently lives alongside a 12-year old female cat named 'Tonbo' ('Dragonfly'). We asked Sakai-san, who has been around cats since childhood, about the special attraction of Tonbo (and Tonbo's odd-sounding meow).
- Where did you first meet Tonbo?
"Ton-chan (Tonbo's nickname) was actually my husband's cat. Somebody got rid of her near the Prada store in Aoyama. When my husband found her, she was quite emaciated. However, he picked her up and took her to the vet. Since I got married, she's been a part of my life as well."
- Both of you being females, were there any jealousy issues when you first came to live with your husband?
"At first, I sensed that we both kind of kept our distance. We would always make eye contact. However, she would have this look that said, 'What's with this other woman?' (laughs). Whenever a guy came over to the house, it seemed that Tombo would quickly make her way up onto his lap. She would absolutely never just come up to me in this way. Fortunately, as my husband and I became more familiar with each other, Tonbo gradually started warming up to me."
- Up to now, would you say that you and Tonbo have spent more time together than she has with your husband?
"Yeah, that's probably true. However, it seems that she still likes my husband more than me. When he's not around, she acts as though she has no other choice but to be kind to me. The instant he comes home, Tonbo will go rushing over to him. Perhaps because my husband is one-and-a-half times my size, she finds his lap more relaxing."
- Before Tonbo, had you ever lived with a cat?
"Since I was a child, I've always lived with cats. We had a fluffy-haired Persian-Himalayan mix named Louise. A total tomboy, she often left the house and went outside. Louise even coupled with a neighborhood stray cat and ended up giving birth to four kittens. Though one of the kittens died as a newborn, we were able to give the others to people we knew. There was also a period when we had both a dog and a cat."
A Girlish and Maidenly Cat
- What kind of character does Tonbo have?
"Because she's never really had contact with other cats, or any animals for that matter, she tends to be very cautious. When people come over to our place, she will only gingerly make her way over to them. Moreover, she isn't very coordinated. Tonbo will even clumsily fall down from high places. Louise, on the other hand, would fight with other cats and catch sparrows. Her naughtiness was a real contrast with Tonbo."
- Tonbo's strange meow is more like a rumble... Though it may be rude to say this, doesn't it kind of sound like she's snoring?
"I don't know if it's the result of bronchitis or not, but this is her usual voice. Apparently, the first vet that she was taken to said that she has a delicate throat. Though she will occasionally throw up, it seems that her throat is no longer a problem on a daily basis."
- Does she have any favorite toys?
"Occasionally, when given presents such as ribbon, she will play with them. However, she fundamentally isn't given toys to play with. Instead, she's always running in circles chasing her own tail. Dating back to when I lived with Louise, I've never bought a cat-toy. My friends, on the other hand, will buy their cats things such as cat towers. However, I do have to say that Tonbo's favorite place is on top of our white Moroccan cushion. She's always sitting on it. Tonbo also has a thing for flowers. As soon as I put out flowers that someone has given me, Tonbo will run up and poke her nose into them. I think she has a bit of a girlish personality."
- Does Tonbo have any preferences regarding food and kitty litter?
"I bought this dish on a trip to Paris. As for food, I giver her dry food by Friskies. I keep her litter box near the toilet. It's a duo-unit box with large-grain litter from Unicharm. Because I hated how the kitty litter would get scattered about and stick to Tonbo's paws, I tried a number of different products before finally settling on large-grain litter. Fortunately, it seems that Ton-chan doesn't get very stressed out by changes in her environment. For example, when we moved into a new place, she joyously ran up and down the stairs."
Cat goods that never go out of style
- Are there any cat-related items or books that you particularly like?
"I love this Lisa Larson-designed ceramic cat that I received as a wedding present. There's also this cat broach that I got from the actress Yuika Motokariya. As for publications, I like the picture book titled 'Hyakumankai Ikitaneko' as well as the 'Kyo no Nekomura-san' comic book series."
- As a designer, have you ever taken up a cat motif?
"Because I love the animated film 'Kiki's Delivery Service', I designed an item in velour called 'Kiki's Muffler' about nine years ago. It sold really well. Though there has recently been a big boom in cat-related products, I think there are also a lot of longstanding cat-fans. Three years ago, I created a t-shirt that was based on an illustration of Tonbo that I had drawn. Cats seem to make their way into my work when I'm drawing pictures. When I released my book, I took part in book-signing events. When fans asked for autographs, I would ask them which they preferred, dogs or cats. Overwhelmingly, they had me draw them pictures of cats."
- When drawing cats, what are you particular about?
"When I draw pictures of girls, I like to have their eyes set apart. I also like drawing cats like this. Moreover, when I'm drawing the outline of a cat, I like to search for images of stretching cats to use as a reference."
- Do you currently have plans to create any new cat-related items?
"Right now, I'm working with a pajama maker to create a new brand of pajamas. In addition to sky and flower patterns, we're making pajamas in a cat-pattern. They'll be available at the Isetan department store in Shinjuku in March. Because the pattern involves a small illustration of a cat that I drew, I think they're the type of pajamas that anybody could wear."
Comforting people without the use of words
- Between the passing of Louise and your coming to live with Tonbo, you went over 10 years without a cat. During that time, did you ever think about getting your own?
"I really wanted a gray cat. I often looked at cat adoption websites. However, being characteristically reliant on others, I've kind of just cared for other people's cats. Louise was my parents' cat and Tonbo was initially taken in by my husband. I haven't really willfully taken in my own. That said, I think I will definitely cry when Tombo eventually passes on."
- Having lived with both dogs and cats, did you notice a big difference between them?
"I think cats suit me better. They'll be okay even if you don't look after them too much. However, they will come over when you really want to play with them. In addition to that, I'm often told that I have a cat-like personality. Fundamentally, I have a 'give me some space!' type of character. Whenever I feel like I'm being cornered, I feel a need to escape... Yet, I'm so much like a spoiled child."
- In your opinion, what is a cat's position?
"To always be there when you get home. To comfort you without having to rely on words. The ability to make someone feel better without the use of words takes cunning. There's a lot we can learn from cats. I think that I wanna become a cat. For one thing, cats can enjoy a life that's not tied to a busy schedule of social engagements. And there's another reason. If you are the cat of the person you're in love with, they will absolutely never break up with you. Without any sense of guilt, cats just act cute and comfort people. This is why I want to have a cat-like existence."
We visited Machiko Kyo and her beloved cat 'Mum' following their move into a new home. Click here to read an interview from the last time we met - 'Manga artist Machiko Kyo and her 'Cat Princess', the bashful Mum'.
After first arriving at her new home, it took Mum a bit of time to get adjusted to her new surroundings. Though she initially milled around the house, Mum has completely made a place for herself in this new and larger home.
So Mum can run around without causing a problem, Machiko's office is fitted with a sound resistant rug as well as Mum's favorite basket. She's already made it a custom to pop out of Machiko's bed at 5:00 a.m. and take a secondary morning nap in the basket.
Inside her basket is an official ilove.cat 'maneki neko' (beckoning cat) doll. Mum cares for the white cat-doll as if it is her alter ego or kitten. She also seems to take an interest in the cat-shaped teapot.
In summer, Mum takes her place on top of a cool slab of marble. Because her new flat is located on a lower floor than before, Mum has recently taken a great liking to bird-watching from the window.This report had been made from fluffy winter-haired Mum's new lodgings.
This report is based on a talk titled 'How to Photograph Cats' that Mitsuaki Iwago recently gave at the Kawasaki City Museum in connection with his exhibition 'Mitsuaki Iwago's Animal Photography'. During his presentation, the cat-loving Iwago shared his methods and secrets for successfully capturing cats on film.
The importance of communicating with cats
"Though I now photograph many different animals, my absolute first animal photographs were of cats. That's why I have strong feelings regarding them. Even what we commonly refer to as 'stray cats' will have completely different expressions and body language than cats in other regions. In places where people are calm and tranquil, cats will also be calm and tranquil. In particular, people who live in towns with a lot of sloping roads tend to move at a leisurely pace. As a result, cats also move slowly in such places. Moreover, in places with narrow roads where cars can't enter, you will be likely to find cats laying in the middle of the street. If you say 'hello' to these relaxed cats, they will surely give you a proper reply."
What kind of camera and equipment do I need?
"Even a cellphone camera is enough. However, if you don't have a telephoto lens, you're going to have to get close to the cat you're photographing. Due to this, it might be good to use a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera if you are photographing outside. However, if you are photographing the cat you live at home with, a big camera may prove intimidating. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to regularly put your camera in a place that the cat can see. It is good to start snapping pictures only after your cat has gotten over its fear of cameras. If you use a flash to photograph cats indoors, their hair will look spiky and lose its softness. Therefore, I recommend avoiding a flash. I also recommend not using a tripod, considering the line of sight will become too high. When I am photographing cats, I kneel down so that I am at the same eye line as they are. It's as if I'm crawling forward into battle (laughs)."
Shooting from 5 a.m.!
During this season (April-May), I begin photographing at about 5 a.m. If you're sleeping at this time, you can't photograph cats. Please get outside at the crack of dawn. If you're a night owl, it might be best to stay up without sleeping before going out to photograph (laughs). Though cats are often thought of as creatures of the night, they actually conform to human patterns of movement. As a result, cats begin to stir when our days begin. When people wake up and open windows, the cats go outside. When they first go outside, cats will immediately stop in place and acutely sense the weather and wind. This important act will decide their movements for the entire day."
How to encounter cats around town
"Listen closely, watch closely and take a deep sniff. This will help you develop a 'cat's sense'. If you are using your full five senses as you walk around, the instant you turn into an alley you will either smell a cat or know where to look and find one. In doing this, you're not really using your human eyes - you're employing your 'cat's eyes'. Essentially, because humans are also natural living things, we have the ability to smell and read the air."
The difference between male and female cats
"Though this can be said of all animals, and especially mammals, it is important to distinguish between male and females as well as kittens and adults. Women are more likely to be attacked by wildlife. In the case of cats, I have been scratched more often by males. However, in reality, male cats are easier to photograph. Male cats seem to have more latitude and leisure in their lives (laughs). Because females do things such as raise the kittens, they concentrate more on what goes on around them. Because males are out on patrol, it is more likely that you will encounter them. Because they have the free time, they'll let you hang out and photograph them."
How to maintain distance with sensitive cats
"After you've made eye contact with a cat and they seem to keep looking in your direction, you know that they are aware of you. At these times, it is best to keep a distance. If you move towards a concerned cat, they will give you a look that says, 'don't come any closer.' This will create more of a distance between you and the cat. If you don't obey the cat's expression and take a further step, it is likely to quickly run away. When photographing, maintaining this distance is extremely important. Before deciding to approach a cat or not, you must observe it closely."
What is your method for getting cats to look at you?
"Depending on the cat, their are a number of ways to get a cat's attention. For example, when it's starting to get dark out, you need to use a lower shutter speed. However, this means that the cat will be blurry if it moves. To avoid this, in such situations, I say to the cat, 'Stop, hold your breath!' At that instant, when the cat is frozen, I snap the picture. When you speak out to a cat, they get the message. That said, you can also get shots of good cat body language by letting them roam freely. They don't need to be looking at the camera."
Overcoming a major challenge: Hints for photographing black cats
"Black cats are certainly difficult. A key element in capturing a black cats' expression is to squarely depict their eyes. You also have to trust your own eye and search for the best way to catch their expression or furry texture. Instead of getting the cat to move, the photographer has to move around and find the right place. To avoid flat black images and enhance the cat in a 3-dimensional manner, you also need to select good lighting. However, black cats should basically be black in photographs. Black cats are wonderful. I love them. They are so smart. Cats are conscious of their fur color. Because black and white cats absorb the sun's light in different ways, they move in totally different ways. Black cats tend to rest in places where there is little light, so it's good to look for them in the shadows.
How to capture great cat body language
"For capturing great expressions, cats should be well-brushed, healthy and free of eye mucous. In the same way that models put on makeup, cats need to be prepared. Female cats should look pretty and toms should look dignified. This is the most important point for capturing great body language. Some people say that cats with large black eyes are best, but I don't care about things like this. Any kind of expression from a cat is 100% adorable! (laughs) Instead of photographing based on stereotypes, I like to find my own way of looking at cats. Because our eyes are better than a camera's lens, we should trust them. Background and lighting are also of importance. If you only focus your attention on the cat, the cat's actions will be the only thing in the photo. Think about how the scene can become photographic by moving with your camera and finding the best place to catch the cat in a 3-dimensional manner. You can also search for lighting that makes the cat look more round as well as use shadows to compose your image. Personally, when I am photographing cats, I try to think equally of the cat and the background.
Cats as the masters of people?
"When you spend time together with cats, it passes in a flash. Though I think there are many people who live with cats, I don't think that they intend for the cats to become their own masters. Dogs clearly need to be controlled in a master-servant relationship. However, cats are completely different. In fact, cats perhaps consider themselves to be the master of their human owners. (laughs)"
Portrait: Tashirojima, Japan 2009 ⓒ Hideko Iwago
Mitsuaki Iwago
Born in Tokyo in 1950. Animal photographer and winner of the Ihei Kimura Prize (1980), Japan Photographer's Association Prize (1985) and Kodansha Culture Prize. His publications include 'Okite' ('Rules'), 'Hokukyoku Guma' ('Polar Bear') and 'Chotto Nekoboke' ('A Little Time Spent with Cats').
http://www.digitaliwago.com/
"Mitusaki Iwago's Animal Photography"
This exhibition features work selected from 40 years of Mitsuaki Iwago's animal photography, including his 'Jewels of the Earth' series, cats from his hometown of Kanagawa, and a series of previously unseen work from Yokohama Zoorasia.
Dates: April 16 ～ June 26, 2011
Place: Kawasaki City Museum, Exhibition Room 1, Art Galleries 1-2
Admission: 600 yen (400 yen for students as well as seniors over age 65, Free entry for children and junior high students)
http://www.kawasaki-museum.jp/
The importance of communicating with cats
"Though I now photograph many different animals, my absolute first animal photographs were of cats. That's why I have strong feelings regarding them. Even what we commonly refer to as 'stray cats' will have completely different expressions and body language than cats in other regions. In places where people are calm and tranquil, cats will also be calm and tranquil. In particular, people who live in towns with a lot of sloping roads tend to move at a leisurely pace. As a result, cats also move slowly in such places. Moreover, in places with narrow roads where cars can't enter, you will be likely to find cats laying in the middle of the street. If you say 'hello' to these relaxed cats, they will surely give you a proper reply."
What kind of camera and equipment do I need?
"Even a cellphone camera is enough. However, if you don't have a telephoto lens, you're going to have to get close to the cat you're photographing. Due to this, it might be good to use a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera if you are photographing outside. However, if you are photographing the cat you live at home with, a big camera may prove intimidating. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to regularly put your camera in a place that the cat can see. It is good to start snapping pictures only after your cat has gotten over its fear of cameras. If you use a flash to photograph cats indoors, their hair will look spiky and lose its softness. Therefore, I recommend avoiding a flash. I also recommend not using a tripod, considering the line of sight will become too high. When I am photographing cats, I kneel down so that I am at the same eye line as they are. It's as if I'm crawling forward into battle (laughs)."
Shooting from 5 a.m.!
During this season (April-May), I begin photographing at about 5 a.m. If you're sleeping at this time, you can't photograph cats. Please get outside at the crack of dawn. If you're a night owl, it might be best to stay up without sleeping before going out to photograph (laughs). Though cats are often thought of as creatures of the night, they actually conform to human patterns of movement. As a result, cats begin to stir when our days begin. When people wake up and open windows, the cats go outside. When they first go outside, cats will immediately stop in place and acutely sense the weather and wind. This important act will decide their movements for the entire day."
How to encounter cats around town
"Listen closely, watch closely and take a deep sniff. This will help you develop a 'cat's sense'. If you are using your full five senses as you walk around, the instant you turn into an alley you will either smell a cat or know where to look and find one. In doing this, you're not really using your human eyes - you're employing your 'cat's eyes'. Essentially, because humans are also natural living things, we have the ability to smell and read the air."
The difference between male and female cats
"Though this can be said of all animals, and especially mammals, it is important to distinguish between male and females as well as kittens and adults. Women are more likely to be attacked by wildlife. In the case of cats, I have been scratched more often by males. However, in reality, male cats are easier to photograph. Male cats seem to have more latitude and leisure in their lives (laughs). Because females do things such as raise the kittens, they concentrate more on what goes on around them. Because males are out on patrol, it is more likely that you will encounter them. Because they have the free time, they'll let you hang out and photograph them."
How to maintain distance with sensitive cats
"After you've made eye contact with a cat and they seem to keep looking in your direction, you know that they are aware of you. At these times, it is best to keep a distance. If you move towards a concerned cat, they will give you a look that says, 'don't come any closer.' This will create more of a distance between you and the cat. If you don't obey the cat's expression and take a further step, it is likely to quickly run away. When photographing, maintaining this distance is extremely important. Before deciding to approach a cat or not, you must observe it closely."
What is your method for getting cats to look at you?
"Depending on the cat, their are a number of ways to get a cat's attention. For example, when it's starting to get dark out, you need to use a lower shutter speed. However, this means that the cat will be blurry if it moves. To avoid this, in such situations, I say to the cat, 'Stop, hold your breath!' At that instant, when the cat is frozen, I snap the picture. When you speak out to a cat, they get the message. That said, you can also get shots of good cat body language by letting them roam freely. They don't need to be looking at the camera."
Overcoming a major challenge: Hints for photographing black cats
"Black cats are certainly difficult. A key element in capturing a black cats' expression is to squarely depict their eyes. You also have to trust your own eye and search for the best way to catch their expression or furry texture. Instead of getting the cat to move, the photographer has to move around and find the right place. To avoid flat black images and enhance the cat in a 3-dimensional manner, you also need to select good lighting. However, black cats should basically be black in photographs. Black cats are wonderful. I love them. They are so smart. Cats are conscious of their fur color. Because black and white cats absorb the sun's light in different ways, they move in totally different ways. Black cats tend to rest in places where there is little light, so it's good to look for them in the shadows.
How to capture great cat body language
"For capturing great expressions, cats should be well-brushed, healthy and free of eye mucous. In the same way that models put on makeup, cats need to be prepared. Female cats should look pretty and toms should look dignified. This is the most important point for capturing great body language. Some people say that cats with large black eyes are best, but I don't care about things like this. Any kind of expression from a cat is 100% adorable! (laughs) Instead of photographing based on stereotypes, I like to find my own way of looking at cats. Because our eyes are better than a camera's lens, we should trust them. Background and lighting are also of importance. If you only focus your attention on the cat, the cat's actions will be the only thing in the photo. Think about how the scene can become photographic by moving with your camera and finding the best place to catch the cat in a 3-dimensional manner. You can also search for lighting that makes the cat look more round as well as use shadows to compose your image. Personally, when I am photographing cats, I try to think equally of the cat and the background.
Cats as the masters of people?
"When you spend time together with cats, it passes in a flash. Though I think there are many people who live with cats, I don't think that they intend for the cats to become their own masters. Dogs clearly need to be controlled in a master-servant relationship. However, cats are completely different. In fact, cats perhaps consider themselves to be the master of their human owners. (laughs)"
Portrait: Tashirojima, Japan 2009 ⓒ Hideko Iwago
Mitsuaki Iwago
Born in Tokyo in 1950. Animal photographer and winner of the Ihei Kimura Prize (1980), Japan Photographer's Association Prize (1985) and Kodansha Culture Prize. His publications include 'Okite' ('Rules'), 'Hokukyoku Guma' ('Polar Bear') and 'Chotto Nekoboke' ('A Little Time Spent with Cats').
http://www.digitaliwago.com/
"Mitusaki Iwago's Animal Photography"
This exhibition features work selected from 40 years of Mitsuaki Iwago's animal photography, including his 'Jewels of the Earth' series, cats from his hometown of Kanagawa, and a series of previously unseen work from Yokohama Zoorasia.
Dates: April 16 ～ June 26, 2011
Place: Kawasaki City Museum, Exhibition Room 1, Art Galleries 1-2
Admission: 600 yen (400 yen for students as well as seniors over age 65, Free entry for children and junior high students)
http://www.kawasaki-museum.jp/
This month we feature photographer Nobuyoshi Araki (well-known by his nickname of 'Tensai Araki" or 'Araki the Genius') and his beloved cat Chiro. Born in the family home of his late-wife Yoko, Chiro came to live with Araki in March of 1988. For the next 22 years, until Chiro's death at Araki's side on March 2, 2010, the two forged a loving life partnership. The photobook 'Itoshi no Chiro' ('Lovely Chiro') was the beginning of Araki and Chiro's life of feline photography. Below, we introduce Araki's photography books that portray Chiro along with commentary by the photographer himself.
'Itoshi no Chiro' (Lovely Chiro) Published by Heibonsha Ltd. ￥945 Amazon.co.jp
"While sitting on my lap, Chiro loved it when I read to her from 'I Am a Cat' (by Natsume Soseki). You can tell Chiro's a girl by the way she stops peeing when I try to photograph her going to the bathroom. She really hates that. When Yoko was in the hospital, Chiro waited by my side for her to return. It was just the two of us watching the western sky."
Though Araki originally hated cats, Chiro's charm was able to win him over. Proudly showing off the lizards she caught and running around the balcony, Chiro's mischievous side was also evident. No one looked forward to this book more than Yoko, who unfortunately passed away before its publication.
'Sentimental Journey - Winter Journey' Published by Shinchosha ￥3,150 Amazon.co.jp
"I was actually together with Chiro longer than I was with Yoko - considering that I spent over 10 years with Chiro after Yoko's death. She'd sit right on the bed that Yoko used to sleep in. Such a lady..."
From Araki's self-published 'Sentimental Journey', which collects impressions from his honeymoon, up until his book titled 'Winter Journey', which details the several months before Yoko succumbed to her illness, Araki's beloved wife was by his side. This photography volume is a reconfiguration of the two above titles. In Yoko's absence, Chiro became the one to quietly watch over Araki.
'Koki no Shashin' ('Photos at the Age of 70') Published by Taka Ishii Gallery ￥7,350 ART iT ONLINE STORE
"When I'd be taking pictures out on the veranda, Chiro would sneak up under my feet. Because Chiro was there with me, the veranda became my personal paradise. When I was taking a shower, all I had to do was open the door and quietly call out to Chiro, and she would come. Until I was finished showering, Chiro would wait by the door. Then, she would step in and take a sip from the tub. But she isn't there anymore. Even now, I still call for her, just hoping that she somehow appears."
Araki produced this book of photographs at the age of 70, immediately following the death of his beloved cat, Chiro. Depicting a void and sense of isolation, this work shows us an Araki that is reacting to the loss of a loved one by looking back on the past while re-focusing on the future. The viewer can sense his inexhaustible will to keep living.
'Sentimental Journey Spring Journey' Published by Rat Hole Gallery SOLD OUT Bueno! Books
"Absence makes things bigger. Like when Chiro first came to our house, and I didn't like cats and yet she came and rubbed up against me. When something is no longer there, memories suddenly come flooding in. That's why in times of death and disappearance, apparitions float to the places where things once were."
This book comes 20 years after 'Sentimental Journey Winter Journey', the collection of photos featuring Araki's last days together with his wife, Yoko. Once again, Araki deals with loss by photographing the final days of a loved one. Though 'Sentimental Journey Spring Journey' represents the end of Araki's journey with Chiro, the book is also a new beginning.
'Chiro Ai-Shi' ('Chiro Death-Love') Published by Kawade Shoboshinsha ￥1,575 Amazon.co.jp
"Even when she was lying down, Chiro would look up at me when I pointed the camera in her direction. Staring intensely at the camera, tears would well up in her eyes. She turned to face me like this. When she did this... my heart just broke."
Contrasting with the black and white photography that defines 'Sentimental Journey Sentimental Spring', Araki's photobook of Chiro's final days are in full color. These vivid images depict days overflowing with love. Coincidentally, the day I interviewed Araki happened to be the anniversary of his wife's passing. As he talked about his memories of Chiro, I sensed that the very much alive Araki continues to take pictures in order to evade the sadness of loss.
Though Araki originally hated cats, Chiro's charm was able to win him over. Proudly showing off the lizards she caught and running around the balcony, Chiro's mischievous side was also evident. No one looked forward to this book more than Yoko, who unfortunately passed away before its publication.
'Sentimental Journey - Winter Journey' Published by Shinchosha ￥3,150 Amazon.co.jp
"I was actually together with Chiro longer than I was with Yoko - considering that I spent over 10 years with Chiro after Yoko's death. She'd sit right on the bed that Yoko used to sleep in. Such a lady..."
From Araki's self-published 'Sentimental Journey', which collects impressions from his honeymoon, up until his book titled 'Winter Journey', which details the several months before Yoko succumbed to her illness, Araki's beloved wife was by his side. This photography volume is a reconfiguration of the two above titles. In Yoko's absence, Chiro became the one to quietly watch over Araki.
'Koki no Shashin' ('Photos at the Age of 70') Published by Taka Ishii Gallery ￥7,350 ART iT ONLINE STORE
"When I'd be taking pictures out on the veranda, Chiro would sneak up under my feet. Because Chiro was there with me, the veranda became my personal paradise. When I was taking a shower, all I had to do was open the door and quietly call out to Chiro, and she would come. Until I was finished showering, Chiro would wait by the door. Then, she would step in and take a sip from the tub. But she isn't there anymore. Even now, I still call for her, just hoping that she somehow appears."
Araki produced this book of photographs at the age of 70, immediately following the death of his beloved cat, Chiro. Depicting a void and sense of isolation, this work shows us an Araki that is reacting to the loss of a loved one by looking back on the past while re-focusing on the future. The viewer can sense his inexhaustible will to keep living.
'Sentimental Journey Spring Journey' Published by Rat Hole Gallery SOLD OUT Bueno! Books
"Absence makes things bigger. Like when Chiro first came to our house, and I didn't like cats and yet she came and rubbed up against me. When something is no longer there, memories suddenly come flooding in. That's why in times of death and disappearance, apparitions float to the places where things once were."
This book comes 20 years after 'Sentimental Journey Winter Journey', the collection of photos featuring Araki's last days together with his wife, Yoko. Once again, Araki deals with loss by photographing the final days of a loved one. Though 'Sentimental Journey Spring Journey' represents the end of Araki's journey with Chiro, the book is also a new beginning.
'Chiro Ai-Shi' ('Chiro Death-Love') Published by Kawade Shoboshinsha ￥1,575 Amazon.co.jp
"Even when she was lying down, Chiro would look up at me when I pointed the camera in her direction. Staring intensely at the camera, tears would well up in her eyes. She turned to face me like this. When she did this... my heart just broke."
Contrasting with the black and white photography that defines 'Sentimental Journey Sentimental Spring', Araki's photobook of Chiro's final days are in full color. These vivid images depict days overflowing with love. Coincidentally, the day I interviewed Araki happened to be the anniversary of his wife's passing. As he talked about his memories of Chiro, I sensed that the very much alive Araki continues to take pictures in order to evade the sadness of loss.
Tadanori Yokoo is a widely known Japanese graphic designer, illustrator, printmaker and painter. In the early 70’s, Yokoo held a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Many of the art lovers might know that he has been actively producing art works even after his retirement from commercially assigned works. It has been announced that Yokoo’s works will be exhibited at Yokohama Triennial 2011. ilove.cat had a chance to sit with the never-slowing artist Yokoo to ask few things about his cat.
Last September, Yokoo’s beloved cat “Tama” had an unfortunate accident and got into a life-threatening situation where the doctors told him “We are very sorry Mr. Yokoo. We don’t quite know how to put this but ...” However, with Yokoo’s love for his cat and the 18 years old cat Tama’s strength to choose life brought the happy family back. At “Setagaya Animal Festival,” an annual get-together of Setagaya Ward’s animal loving residents, they celebrated Tama’s better health and his happy owner, Yokoo. After the upheaval at “Setagaya Animal Festival,” Yokoo was widely covered by mass media for his death defeating cat. We had a chance to chat with Japan’s one of the most influential artist about his wonder cat.
—So it was Tama who came to find you
Cats have power to create their own destiny. There are many stray cats around my house and ones in much better shape than Tama. Tama has bad eyes and I don’t know what would’ve happen to Tama if she didn’t come to our house. To be honest, if I was looking for a cat, I probably would’ve went for a cat with prettier face, haha.
—How did you decide on the cat name?
A bit after Tama started living at our house, her belly suddenly got bigger. “Ahh... kittens...” I thought. I started contacting my friends and I even found a foster parent for the kittens on the way. Well, it seemed like kittens were on the way but her body shape didn’t really change much from that point and most importantly, she never gave a birth. It was obesity due to simply eating too much. No kittens!! Tama’s belly was like- as if she had swallowed an ostrich egg. So initially, I named her “Tamago (egg)” but it was weird calling out Tamago! Tamago! It made me look like I was calling out at my wife for an egg dish each time to the neighbours. It got kind of embarrassing, so I took the ‘go’ out and ended up with Tama.
ーTama must have a very strong will to live then。
She was the popular one at the clinic as well. Tama was hospitalized for only 2 weeks but she stole all the nurses’ hearts with her charm. Then, I received an award certification from “Setagaya Animal Festival” one day. The vet must have tipped me off to the festival committee for my obsession. I thought it was a joke at first. It was a surprise when I figured out that it was from the Setagaya Ward’s ward headman.
—Any changes to Tama after she came back from the vet?
Tama became more attached to me, literally. She follows me to the bathroom in the morning when I’m washing my face and even to toilet. It’s not like I call the cat to the toilet, haha, she’s always there now. She really likes to be petted on her bum as well. It’s like she has an radar for when and where she can get pet on the bum.
—What is Tama like on daily bases?
Tama sleeps for about 24 hours. Time to time she will be up for about an hour a day? All the photos I’ve taken of Tama are of her sleeping haha. When I’m in bed, she will crawl up on me or when I’m watching T.V. she will come and sit next to me. Cats usually like moving things or images, but whenever I look over, her eyes are closed. Sleeping! I don’t think she is a T.V cat. Tama also never steps out the door during winter and now she sleeps in the drawer lot. In human age, Tama would be somewhere around 80 years old, I sometimes think of who would pass first, me or Tama, haha. I don’t think Tama got another 10 years to go and I’m not sure if I do either. We are growing very old together.
—When Tama was hospitalized, you wrote on your blog “I couldn’t take care of Tama but instead Tama took care of me and taught me so many things.”
Cats are very selfish and I say that in a good way. They know how to stick to their own will and look after themselves. Humans find it very difficult to be faithful to what they believe in and end up compromising. I guess compromising is necessary at times to be part of the society but cats never compromise. That is why I thought “Cat is what an artist should be like.” Long time ago, I was playing with a little kitten and I put the cat in the trash bin and waited for it to jump out but it never came out. I looked into the bin and the kitten was playing with shredded papers in the bin. Cats have the ability to survive or have fun in whatever situation they are put in. I wish I had ability to be like that, “put me wherever and I will still find a way to have fun!” One of the things I learned from a cat.
Yokoo Tadanori
A Gunma Prefecture born artist active overseas such as the solo exhibition with Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris. Recently, he has been exposing his works in Japan at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa and The National Museum of Art, Osaka. Drawing, photography, fictions are just few of the genres he works with as an artist. Izumi Kyōka Prize for Literature (Izumi Kyouka Bungaku Shou) winning fiction “Broo Rando” as well as “LA CASA DE PORT LLIGAT” and “Nekoze no Mesen.” This year, Yokoo Tadanori will hold large solo exhibitions at The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art from June 1 – July 10, The Museum of Art, Kochi from July 17 to Sept. 25. On top of his busy schedule this year, the artist will also participate in Yokohama Triennial 2011. For more information on the artist, visit http://www.tadanoriyokoo.com
Pawing the destiny
—How did you and Tama meet? Actually, before Tama, I had two cats and when they both passed to the cat heaven, I decided to not to get a house cat for awhile. I felt I owed to my cats to pass time of mourn for a period. During my mourning time, a stray cat with bad eyes and clearly in not good health walked into my garden. Tama was a stray cat but very friendly. Other stray cats would run away before I can even call them for a can of tuna, Tama would dine at our kitchen and gradually became the family house cat.
—So it was Tama who came to find you
Cats have power to create their own destiny. There are many stray cats around my house and ones in much better shape than Tama. Tama has bad eyes and I don’t know what would’ve happen to Tama if she didn’t come to our house. To be honest, if I was looking for a cat, I probably would’ve went for a cat with prettier face, haha.
—How did you decide on the cat name?
A bit after Tama started living at our house, her belly suddenly got bigger. “Ahh... kittens...” I thought. I started contacting my friends and I even found a foster parent for the kittens on the way. Well, it seemed like kittens were on the way but her body shape didn’t really change much from that point and most importantly, she never gave a birth. It was obesity due to simply eating too much. No kittens!! Tama’s belly was like- as if she had swallowed an ostrich egg. So initially, I named her “Tamago (egg)” but it was weird calling out Tamago! Tamago! It made me look like I was calling out at my wife for an egg dish each time to the neighbours. It got kind of embarrassing, so I took the ‘go’ out and ended up with Tama.
Tama defeats death after a severe accident
—It was last year’s September when Tama got injured? Yes. Tama is a female cat so her territory is small and she only sticks around the house. It must have been near the house but I don’t know if she was run over by a bike or if it was an act of animal cruelty... Tama crawled home and she looked fine from outside but she was crying in voice I’ve never heard of. My wife hurried Tama to the vet and was told that all her internal organs are pushed up against her lungs and time is running out very fast. The vet told us that Tama would not survive through the night but we still went for a surgery. The vet opened up her belly and put the moved organs back to their places. The surgery, it really looked like hands of a god, haha. After the surgery, the family went to visit Tama in the hospital everyday and she recovered just like that.
ーTama must have a very strong will to live then。
She was the popular one at the clinic as well. Tama was hospitalized for only 2 weeks but she stole all the nurses’ hearts with her charm. Then, I received an award certification from “Setagaya Animal Festival” one day. The vet must have tipped me off to the festival committee for my obsession. I thought it was a joke at first. It was a surprise when I figured out that it was from the Setagaya Ward’s ward headman.
—Any changes to Tama after she came back from the vet?
Tama became more attached to me, literally. She follows me to the bathroom in the morning when I’m washing my face and even to toilet. It’s not like I call the cat to the toilet, haha, she’s always there now. She really likes to be petted on her bum as well. It’s like she has an radar for when and where she can get pet on the bum.
—What is Tama like on daily bases?
Tama sleeps for about 24 hours. Time to time she will be up for about an hour a day? All the photos I’ve taken of Tama are of her sleeping haha. When I’m in bed, she will crawl up on me or when I’m watching T.V. she will come and sit next to me. Cats usually like moving things or images, but whenever I look over, her eyes are closed. Sleeping! I don’t think she is a T.V cat. Tama also never steps out the door during winter and now she sleeps in the drawer lot. In human age, Tama would be somewhere around 80 years old, I sometimes think of who would pass first, me or Tama, haha. I don’t think Tama got another 10 years to go and I’m not sure if I do either. We are growing very old together.
Artsy cat?!
—Yokoo, you’ve directed Andy Warhol’s picture book “Cat, Cat, Cat” as well as your own pieces such as the “Y-Junctions” series or “Mayoke Neko” sculpture series where cats are often illustrated. Do you get inspirations from cats for your works? Not really...haha. When I draw cats, my works start to appear very childish in aesthetical way. At the moment, paintings or drawings that seems to be drawn by a child is quiet popular but I don’t think that is my style. I want tension in my works. In that way, I do learn from cat’s way of living and behaviours I guess.
—When Tama was hospitalized, you wrote on your blog “I couldn’t take care of Tama but instead Tama took care of me and taught me so many things.”
Cats are very selfish and I say that in a good way. They know how to stick to their own will and look after themselves. Humans find it very difficult to be faithful to what they believe in and end up compromising. I guess compromising is necessary at times to be part of the society but cats never compromise. That is why I thought “Cat is what an artist should be like.” Long time ago, I was playing with a little kitten and I put the cat in the trash bin and waited for it to jump out but it never came out. I looked into the bin and the kitten was playing with shredded papers in the bin. Cats have the ability to survive or have fun in whatever situation they are put in. I wish I had ability to be like that, “put me wherever and I will still find a way to have fun!” One of the things I learned from a cat.
Tama photo by Tadanori Yokoo
Yokoo Tadanori
A Gunma Prefecture born artist active overseas such as the solo exhibition with Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris. Recently, he has been exposing his works in Japan at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa and The National Museum of Art, Osaka. Drawing, photography, fictions are just few of the genres he works with as an artist. Izumi Kyōka Prize for Literature (Izumi Kyouka Bungaku Shou) winning fiction “Broo Rando” as well as “LA CASA DE PORT LLIGAT” and “Nekoze no Mesen.” This year, Yokoo Tadanori will hold large solo exhibitions at The Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art from June 1 – July 10, The Museum of Art, Kochi from July 17 to Sept. 25. On top of his busy schedule this year, the artist will also participate in Yokohama Triennial 2011. For more information on the artist, visit http://www.tadanoriyokoo.com
