NAGASAKI, Japan (AP) — In Japan, cats with short, bent tails are seen as harbingers of good fortune — and nowhere are they more abundant or celebrated than in the historic port city of Nagasaki.
These distinctive felines, affectionately known as “omagari neko” (bent-tail cats) or “kagi neko” (hook cats), are a beloved part of Nagasaki’s cultural identity. They come in a range of tail shapes — curled, hooked, or bun-like — and are so cherished they even have a dedicated Shinto shrine and a fan base known as the Nagasaki Cat Society.
According to Kazuya Hideshima, a staff member at the Omagari Neko Shrine and member of the cat society, nearly 80% of Nagasaki’s feline population have bobbed tails — double the national average.
Historically, Japanese cats are believed to have arrived from China in the 6th century, accompanying Buddhist monks to protect religious scrolls from rodents. But Nagasaki’s bobtail population has deeper and more unique roots. Cultural historians explain that the city, being Japan’s only open port during the isolationist Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), received ships from the Dutch East Indies. Bobtail cats were employed onboard as expert rat catchers, and many stayed behind, establishing a distinct gene pool in the area.
Veterinarian and feline expert Soshin Yamamoto attributes the high bobtail population to genetic mutations reinforced by centuries of isolation. He emphasizes that the trait poses no issues for domestic cats, especially those that live close to people.
“Bobtails don’t hinder a normal cat’s life, especially if they’re not living wild,” Yamamoto said.
Nagasaki residents and tourism officials hope these charming cats will do more than bring luck — they’re banking on the bobtails to attract visitors and boost local businesses.
Natsuno Kani, a tourist from Tokyo, said she specifically came to visit the bobtail shrine. “I’ve always heard Nagasaki is known for these cats,” she said.
Others are just discovering the city’s feline fame. “Today is the first time in Nagasaki that I’ve ever heard of this,” said Cindy Bi, an American artist living in Japan. “I’m excited to look around for them. Maybe we’ll see a few.”
Abigail Tarraso, a Spanish artist based in nearby Saga prefecture, admitted she wasn’t familiar with bent-tail cats, which are less common in her home country. “It’s a lovely surprise,” she said.
With their charm, history, and reputation for luck, Nagasaki’s bobtail cats continue to leave paw prints on the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
