The cats are by far the most popular and loved pets in Japan. In fact, they are so beloved that several Shinto shrines are dedicated to them… One of these “cat shrines” is located inside the Sengan-en garden in Kagoshima, established by Shimazu Yoshihiro, a famous general of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He built the shrine to honor two cats who accompanied him during an expedition in Korea.

As customary, the shrine has its own ema votive plaques representing, of course, two very cute cats and most of the prayers written on them are asking for the health and well being of pet cats.

Cat shrine ema, Sengan-en, Kagoshima

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kumamoto Castle original Uto Yagura