Watch Cat Nation: A film about Japan's crazy cat culture

In the busy streets of Tokyo, cats have taken over. The feline population has exploded and cat lovers from all over the world come to see what has become known as the 'Cat Nation'. In this documentary film directed by Tim Delmastro, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Japan's cat culture. Hosted by British YouTuber and Japanophile Chris Broad and Japanese TV personality Natsuki Aso, the film explores every aspect of cat culture in Japan. From cat cafes to cat islands, there seems to be a never-ending love for these creatures in Japan. The film opens with some statistics, revealing that there are more cats than dogs in Japan, with approximately 9.8 million cats living among the population. The nation has even designated February 22 as 'National Cat Day'.

The film explores the origins of cat culture in Japan, dating back to the Edo period in which cats became popular because they were thought to bring good luck. We then see how this cultural fascination evolved over time, leading to the creation of cat cafes where people can come and play with cats or pet them while having a cup of coffee, and cat islands where cats roam freely.

The film introduces us to several cat cafe owners who have made it their mission to provide a relaxing space for cat lovers to come and de-stress. At one such cafe, Chris Broad chats with owner Maki Yamamoto, who explains how the cats at her cafe are rescued and cared for, and how important it is to give these cats the love they deserve. We meet some of her regular customers, who visit her cafe multiple times a week to spend time with the cats.

Another segment of the film explores the phenomenon of cat islands. We see Natsuki Aso traveling to Tashirojima Island, where cats outnumber humans six to one. The island has become a tourist destination for cat lovers, and the locals have embraced this popularity by creating several cat-themed attractions. In addition to Tashirojima, the film also takes us to Aoshima Island, a remote island with only a few residents and hundreds of feral cats.

The movie also examines the darker side of Japan's cat culture, particularly the issue of abandoned cats. We see volunteers from a cat protection organization on their mission to rescue cats that have been left to fend for themselves. The film shows the hard work and dedication required to save these animals, from rescues in the middle of the night to outdoor feeding stations set up in the city.

Throughout the film, the lively personalities of Chris and Natsuki add a fun and entertaining aspect to the documentary. Whether they're playing with cats in a cafe or exploring a cat island, their enthusiasm for the topic is infectious. The filmmakers do an excellent job of showing a balanced depiction of Japan's cat culture, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects.

Overall, Cat Nation is a delightful and insightful documentary film that sheds light on the quirky and fascinating world of Japan's cat culture. With charming hosts, stunning visuals, and fascinating interviews, the movie is a must-watch for cat lovers and anyone interested in Japanese culture.

Cat Nation: A film about Japan's crazy cat culture is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.