Posted July 10, 2016 by Jonelle Patrick6 Comments Cute to the nth

Famous Japanese Art Improved By Neko Atsume

Because procrastination is my middle name and I currently have a Boaty McBoatload of editing to do, it became clear to me that the best use of my time this morning would be to see how much Japanese art could be improved by the addition of Tubbs & Co…

First of all, I feel quite sure that Murasaki Shikibu would agree that medieval court life would have been vastly improved by collecting video cats. (On the other hand, the novel might not have been invented for a few more centuries, because the Tale of Genji wouldn't have stood a chance against attracting Mr. Meowgi) — First of all, I feel quite sure that Murasaki Shikibu would agree that medieval court life would have been vastly improved by collecting gamecats. (On the other hand, the invention of the novel might have been delayed for a few more centuries, because the Tale of Genji wouldn’t have stood a chance against Mr. Meowgi)

Hokusai could have done a "36 Views Of Neko" series that would have WAY outsold that Fuji shinola — Hokusai could have done a “36 Views Of Neko” series that would have WAY outsold that Fuji shinola

Fearsome AND friendly, I think that's what you were shooting for here, right Kōrin? — Fearsome AND friendly, I think that’s what you were shooting for here, right Kōrin?

Think how much MORE famous the kabuki actor Otani Oniji III would have been if assisted by Tubbs

How many can you find...? — How many can you find…?

And finally, Yayoi Kusama really ought to make this sculpture available as a goodie JUST SAYIN

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“A suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing while at the same time whisking you away to another time and place with enviable ease…a pleasure to read.” —Mary Mackey, New York Times bestselling author of The Year The Horses Came

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Jonelle Patrick View All

Writing mystery books set in Tokyo is mostly what I do, but I also blog about the odd stuff I see every day in Japan. I'm a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo, and a member of the International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. When I'm not in Tokyo, I live in San Francisco. I also host a travel site called The Tokyo Guide I Wish I'd Had, so if you're headed to Japan and want to check out the places I take my friends when they're in town, take a look!

6 thoughts on “Famous Japanese Art Improved By Neko Atsume” ›

Ah, this is so cute lol! I think it’s a very productive use of time! 😛

Cute!

I think I like the fat cat on the samurai dude’s head best.

I bought some art at the museum by the sumo stadium and I’m pretty disappointed that only one piece has any cast on it. 😦

Jonelle Patrick says:

July 18, 2016 at 10:28 am

Did you buy woodblock prints? Cats appear sort of secretly in a lot of them, but maybe not the famous ones that get reproduced a lot. You need to go on a mission, my friend!

Reply
- Ben says:
  
  July 19, 2016 at 6:53 pm
  
  Yeah, three. Two are magnets: a sumo (I was feeling the spirit) and one is a cat looking out an old school window. The third one is some people resting under a waterfall. I can’t find any cats in there for the life of me!