Catland

Long before Hello Kitty became a global star, cats already held a special place in Japan, a nation with a deep fondness for felines. This illustrated book follows that fondness across the country, from cat cafes to islands where cats outnumber people. Cats appear everywhere in the book's pages, lounging on city sidewalks, peering from shop displays, and wandering temple grounds.

Sarah Archer also looks behind the scenes at how this cat-loving culture is made. Her narrative moves between the past and the present, exploring how Japan's attachment to cats has developed over time. Readers visit workshops where artisans weave traditional cat beds and produce the beckoning cat figurines, along with cat clothing.

Full of photographs and drawings, the book suits anyone who loves cats or is curious about Japanese traditions and everyday life. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a cat lover.