Japan’s Nagasaki full of In Japan, cats with short, bent tails are believed to bring good luck, and Nagasaki is one of the best places to see them.
Known locally as “omagari neko” (bent-tail cats) or “kagi neko” (hook cats), Nagasaki’s bobtail cats have a loyal fan base, their own Shinto shrine, and a dedicated group—the Nagasaki Cat Society, reports AP.
Kazuya Hideshima, a member of the society and shrine staff, said the cats’ tails vary in shape—hooked tips, curls, and bun-like forms. Studies show bobtails make up 80 percent of Nagasaki’s feline population—double the rate elsewhere in Japan.
While cats first came to Japan from China in the 6th century with Buddhist monks to protect sacred texts, Nagasaki’s bobtails trace back to the Dutch East Indies. During Japan’s isolation (17th–19th century), Nagasaki was the only open port, and ships from Southeast Asia used these cats to protect cargo from rats.
Veterinarian Soshin Yamamoto explained that the bobtail trait likely came from a genetic mutation that spread in Nagasaki’s isolated environment. “Having bobtails doesn’t impact a cat’s well-being, especially if they live around humans and don’t need to navigate wild terrain,” he said.
Locals now hope these lucky cats can attract tourism and boost the economy.
“I already knew Nagasaki was famous for these bent-tail cats,” said Tokyo tourist Natsuno Kani. But Spanish artist Abigail Tarraso and American artist Cindy Bi were both newly intrigued and eager to spot one.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
