Cat lovers have long flocked to Japan, but photographer Masayuki Oki went further and quit his job to photograph the country’s felines. His new collection, titled “Neko,” documents the animal’s presence across the country, from temples to island sanctuaries. The book is available now through Smith Street Books.
The Man Who Chose the Cat Life
Masayuki Oki didn’t start out with a camera in hand. The Tokyo-based photographer began his career in the corporate world, but a chance meeting in 2013 changed everything. While on a New Year’s Eve break, he spotted a cat named Busanyan-senpai in a park. Oki snapped a photo the next day and posted it online. The positive response inspired him to post pictures of cats every day.
In 2015, at age 37, Oki left his job to become a full-time photographer. Since then, he has published 20 books featuring cats in Japan, with “Neko” marking his first international release. He has over 500,000 Instagram followers and frequently wins awards for his nature photography. The photographer has traveled extensively to capture playful and cheeky moments, transforming a hobby into a professional career.
Understanding the Japanese Cat
Street cats in Tokyo and other cities are not the neglected strays one might expect. A network of individuals looks after many of these animals, feeding them and taking them to the vet when needed. Japan’s Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program has helped stabilize the local cat population in recent years. Because of this, Oki often travels to “Cat Island” instead of focusing solely on urban environments.
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On these remote islands, the photographer spends days waiting for the animals to become accustomed to his presence. He uses this time to observe their behavior and learn how they move. “Cats are fascinating creatures that I never tire of,” Oki said. “I consider myself lucky to be able to do this job.”
While the animals are undeniably cute, Oki tries to capture their inner world. He focuses on the emotions we imagine from their expressions and behavior, as well as the complex relationships between them. The photographer admits that he often misses the shot because working with cats requires patience, but he finds the process rewarding.
For those looking to see these animals up close, the book gathers photos of felines at temples, famous crossings, and island sanctuaries. Oki hopes the images put a smile on the reader’s face, a goal that feels easy to achieve when looking at the results. The collection highlights the deep bond between the Japanese people and their cats, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle defined by these quiet, furry companions.
