This quirky documentary, created by film maker Tim Delmastro and You Tuber Chris Broad, an Englishman who has lived in Japan for over five years, follows the Japanese fascination with the domestic felines. From a station master’s cat (below, in jaunty hat) to a temple festooned with Neko beckoning lucky cats, to a slightly OTT ‘Hello Kitty’ themed hotel, it seems Japanese society is a tad obsessed with the fur babies.
The origin of said lucky cat is explored, and Broad is wry and likeable enough, but no Jon Ronson. It’s a charming film , but perhaps a little slight in its investigation into why the cat is considered the ultimate pet in Tokyo pubs, cafes and left running feral in the city’s outskirts.
Some extra subtitles would have been helpful in the longer interviews, but it’s undeniably a rather sweet documentary, if a little bland. Question: why do films about cute pets insist on twee soundtrack music? We get it, they’re adorable. This film often has some hilarious moments. Check out the languishing cat in the local cat cafe (below). He doesn’t care if you’re Americano, or Latte, he ain’t budging. And who could blame him?
Available to watch on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
Hit The North 