Hagi, Yamaguchi
Mitsuaki Iwago's World “Cats” Travelogue - S1 - E139
This time, Iwago is in Normandy, France. It's been 45 years since he last visited Mont Saint-Michel. He encounters a port town at the mouth of the Seine, blooming apple orchards, and cats living in an artist's studio.
Mitsuaki Iwago's World “Cats” Travelogue: Season 1 - 56 Episode s
1x89 - Kawagoe and Chichibu
December 7, 2020
This trip to meet wonderful cats takes us to Kawagoe and Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture. Every morning at 6am, a meow can be heard on Kawagoe's Bell Street. When the sound of the bell is heard, people nearby start having breakfast. At a long-established soy sauce store, there is a cat with charming green eyes. At a soba restaurant in Nagatoro, known for its river boat rides, a meow seems content to be pampered by customers. Then, as we head to the remains of the open-cut mine where the copper of the Wadokaichin mine was extracted, we meet a cat guiding us. We also capture on camera cats playing in a flower field overlooking the beautiful Chichibu mountain range.
1x90 - Sanuki and Kagawa
January 5, 2021
This time on our journey to meet wonderful cats, we visit Sanuki and Kagawa. First, early in the morning, we come across some cute kittens on the stone steps of Kotohira Shrine. Sanuki is known for its udon noodles. Iwago really wanted to photograph a cat eating udon. He heard that a certain udon restaurant had a mascot cat, so he went to visit. Yashima-ji Temple, which has ties to the Sanuki-born Kobo Daishi Kukai, has cats living in various locations. We captured them playing in their own way on camera. We also filmed in a traditional craftsman's workshop and at Omusubi Mountain.
1x91 - Aki and Hiroshima
February 2, 2021
Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki goes on a journey to meet wonderful cats, this time in Aki and Hiroshima. First up is Miyajima, where he finds a cat in a slightly strange place. Onomichi has recently been the talk of the town for its cats. Sensing a cat's gaze at a popular spot in the city, Iwago discovers three kittens on a roof. They are brothers, only three months old. One of them does something unexpected. In Tomonoura, with its calm waves and beautiful scenery on the Seto Inland Sea, a cat he meets in an alleyway shows him around the port. He also takes photos in Takehara, Aki's Little Kyoto
1x92 - Nikko, Nasu, Shiobara
April 13, 2021
This time, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki visits Nikko, Nasu and Shiobara. At Lake Chuzenji, he meets a cat family that is fed with seasonal smelt. A cat at a shrine in Imaichi has impressive whiskers but is a bit timid, hiding when a strong-looking cat appears. At the Nasu hot springs, where a tengu (a long-nosed snake) is said to have healed its wounds, cats love to walk through the steam. At Shiobara hot springs, he is surprised by a cat playing hide-and-seek in a limestone cave, and at Nasu Highlands, he is surprised by an elderly cat that draws energy from the forest. He meets cats that live together with people and nature.
1x93 - Shimanto and Tosashimizu
May 4, 2021
Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki visits Shimanto City and Tosashimizu City in Kochi Prefecture. He encounters a white male cat on a sunken bridge over the Shimanto River, said to be the last pure river in Japan. While photographing cats at a shrine in Shimanto City, he discovers Iwago's name on a stone fence. The Iwago family are originally from Kochi. The cats at a food shop in Tosashimizu City that uses bonito flakes, a local specialty, love the bonito flakes' dashi stock. At Tatsukushi Coast, famous for its strangely shaped rocks, he encounters two female cats who live together in harmony. Iwago is very satisfied with his trip to Kochi in spring to see the cats and cherry blossoms.
1x94 - Fukuoka - Genkai Sea and Hibiki Sea -
June 8, 2021
This time, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki searches for cats on the islands and seaside towns of the Genkai-nada and Hibiki-nada Seas in Fukuoka Prefecture. On Himeshima, which floats in the Genkai-nada Sea, Iwago comes across a cat that he likes at the port in the morning and gives it a name. The boss cat of a shopping street in Kitakyushu is not good at fighting, but he is a caring leader. On Ainoshima Island in the Hibiki-nada Sea, he comes across a cat looking out to sea on the sandy beach. Here too, Iwago gives it a name. He also photographs cats on Chishima Island and the Itoshima Peninsula. Finally, he returns to Himeshima and is moved by the sight of the cats living tough lives in the twilight.
1x95 - In the scent of downtown Tokyo
June 15, 2021
Iwago Mitsuaki, an animal photographer born and raised in Tokyo, photographs cats living among the scents of Tokyo's downtown area. At a shrine in Asakusa known for its maneki-neko (beckoning cat), he meets a cat said to be the goddess of good fortune and gets off to an auspicious start. In Asakusa, he also photographs the mascot cat of a comedy hall and a mother and baby cat at a long-established lantern shop. In Shibamata, Katsushika, he has a dramatic encounter. It turns out that a kitten he photographed on the approach to Taishakuten Temple once lived in the same shop. Iwago was delighted to be able to photograph two generations of cats, but...
1x96 - In Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood
June 22, 2021
This is the second in a series of photographs of cats in Tokyo by animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki. He searches for cats in familiar places in Shinjuku Ward, where he lived until recently, and in places he hasn't seen in a long time. His familiar Kagurazaka is known as a red-light district, but it is lined with atmospheric cobblestone streets and rows of traditional houses. The cat that patrols the area every day is a cat from a nearby cafe. The mother cat now lives in a nearby beauty salon, but there is a reason for that. Iwago visited Shinjuku Golden Gai for the first time in 50 years, and there was a bar where people and cats can interact.
1x97 - Iwate
July 6, 2021
The journey to meet wonderful cats takes us to Iwate Prefecture. We meet a sweet kitty at a farm in Shizukuishi Town, looking up at Mt. Iwate. The cat at the restaurant is very stylish, with its white body and white flowers matching it. He always grooms his fur, which he is proud of. In Tono City, a village of folk tales, we film the mysterious relationship between two male cats, and also photograph a cute newborn kitten. At Chusonji Temple, the cats guide us around the temple surrounded by greenery. Iwago was very satisfied to meet so many cute cats in Iwate's lush nature.
1x98 - Tokyo Tama
August 10, 2021
In February 2021, he photographed a calico cat crossing the river on the riverbank in Akiruno City, using a fallen log as a bridge. At a riding club in Hachioji City, he encounters a cat that lives happily with the horses, and in Akishima City, he meets a cat that lives with a supercar in a garage. In Okutama Town, he chases a large male cat drinking spring water from the mountains. And at a temple in Akiruno City where plum blossoms are in bloom, he encounters a cat that seems to have attained enlightenment. The seasons come around again and it is June. At the temple, where the plum trees are bearing fruit, he is reunited with the cat.
1x99 - Traditional Life and Cats ~Europe~
August 17, 2021
Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki continues to travel around the world to meet wonderful cats. He has visited Europe the most. He believes this is because cats are part of European history. He has always been fascinated by cats who live with people who value tradition. In this issue, he will introduce European cats all at once. He met forest fairy-like cats in Athens, Tuscany, Germany, Switzerland, Burgundy, Barcelona and Ireland.
1x100 - Hakodate
September 7, 2021
I've come all the way to Hakodate! ▽At a temple overlooking the sea from its gate, I meet a cat patrolling the grounds. In fact, it is in this very place that a ruthless territorial dispute between cats is taking place. ▽In the grass, I find a burrow full of kittens. Will Iwago-san be able to make friends with the kittens? ▽A cat living on the beach where sea urchins are caught. Does it eat tuna?
1x101 - Karuizawa
September 28, 2021
There is a cat in front of a church surrounded by trees. The cat licks at Iwago's camera as he tries to take a photo. Perhaps the cat sensed the scent of its friend from the camera, which has been photographing cats all over the world. You will meet unique cats in unique shops in Karuizawa, including a candle shop with over a thousand candles on display and a restaurant renovated from an old house. You will also meet cats enjoying their time at a villa. And in a cabbage field, you will film a "cat guarding the fields." Narrated by Miyazaki Aoi.
1x102 - Wakayama
October 10, 2021
At the fishing port, we discover a three-generation cat family. The two-month-old kittens are adorable. Mr. Iwago says to the mother cat who is struggling to raise them, "You're so great." ▽The cat who lives in a seaside cafe loves being near the stone oven. He spends his time relaxing while listening to the smell of baking bread. ▽We also see cats strolling the stone steps of the Kumano Kodo trail, cats using the former training grounds of Shugendo as their playground, and cats spending their time in tangerine fields, old houses, and diving shops. ▽Narrated by Tsukamoto Takashi
1x103 - Light, Color and Nyan ~Latin America~
October 26, 2021
The film was shot mainly at the "Day of the Dead" festival in Mexico, similar to the Japanese Obon festival, coffee plantations in Costa Rica, and beaches in resort areas in Jamaica. It's as if the energy of the sun is being transmitted to people and cats. Narrated by Takashi Tsukamoto.
1x104 - Toyama
November 2, 2021
In Imizu city, you'll encounter a mother cat and her kitten. It's adorable to see them basking together in the sun. You'll also see a cat who serves as the "vice captain" of a sightseeing boat. In Nanto city, you'll walk through a town packed with woodcarving workshops. Real cats coexist with these wooden cats, which are displayed here and there around town. In Nyuzen town, you'll find a mother cat and her kitten enjoying the scent of ripe rice. You'll also see cats from vineyards, hot springs, and metal casting towns. The narrator is Tatekawa Shinosuke, a rakugo performer from Toyama prefecture.
1x105 - Yamagata
December 7, 2021
An island of ring-tailed lemurs. The females are stronger than the males, and a female named "Lacey" reigns as the boss. ▽The island features squirrel monkeys whose behavior is just like humans, Inca terns with interesting whiskers, white tigers who play together, mouflons that clash their horns violently, and wild-tempered African buffaloes. ▽The narrator is Ryoko Shiraishi
1x106 - Nagasaki
January 4, 2022
At Peace Memorial Park, you will encounter a white cat that is a symbol of peace. However, it seems that the white cat loves hunting... ▽ In the early morning at Unzen Jigoku, cats that live in the mountains gather in large numbers. The sight of them huddled in the steam and warm rocks is like a sauna or a bedrock bath. It is more paradise than hell, but when the tourist season comes around, the cats return to the mountains. ▽ Unique cats also appear at Oura Cathedral, Glover Sky Road, the ruins of the Chinese mansion, a ranch in Omura City, and more. ▽ Narrated by Fukushi Sota.
1x107 - Matsuyama and Uwajima
January 11, 2022
Botchan and Mado are brother and sister cats living on the site of the former lodgings of literary master Natsume Soseki, but their quarrel escalates, and eventually... ▽The cat at Dogo Onsen is called "Futeo" because of its unfazed and defiant appearance around people. But it seems it doesn't dislike being petted by people. When Iwago tries to pet it... ▽Name, a cat from Nametoko Valley, encounters a monkey that has come down the mountain in search of nuts. Name stares intently at the monkey. And then... ▽Narration by Maeda Atsuko
1x108 - Kagoshima
February 1, 2022
Who is the big boss of the cats living tough lives on Sakurajima? ▽A cat who gets excited easily but loses interest quickly at a Chiran tea farm? ▽A cat guarding the sweet potato shochu at the brewery from mice ▽A cat at the grave of Saigo Takamori, who was known to be a dog lover... ▽We visit Ibusuki City, the birthplace of Atsuhime, who loved cats. A star cat is discovered at a public bathhouse that is said to have been built when hot springs gushed forth from the rice fields during the Edo period ▽Narrated by Miyazaki Aoi
1x109 - Kobe
February 22, 2022
The garden of the former guest house is full of cats. The one in charge is the Queen Cat, who looks great in a red bow tie collar. ▽At a cafe filled with Western antiques, you'll meet an old cat with a vintage feel. ▽At a custom-made shoe workshop, you'll find a cat who loves its owner too much. ▽The idol cat you can meet in the shopping district is so popular that it even has a T-shirt with its name on it. ▽A cat who lives on the Kobe University campus is an amazing 20 years old. The secret to its longevity is... ▽Narrated by Mizuhara Kiko
1x110 - North America West Coast
March 8, 2022
Mitsuaki Iwago vs. the panda family. What is a "square panda"? ▽ Penguins that "fly" underwater ▽ The convenient beak of the great white pelican ▽ A huge clash between two white rhinos ▽ What can we see by observing a group of Mandrills? ▽ Narrator: Ryoko Shiraishi
1x111 - Aichi
March 22, 2022
A giant beckoning cat overlooks the city of Tokoname. The city once prospered through the manufacture of clay pipes. A cat strolls down a road lined with old clay pipes. ▽Ryusenji Temple in Nagoya is nicknamed the "Cat Temple." Around 20 cats live freely there. ▽A cat is discovered enjoying the aroma of coffee in a coffee shop. ▽The cat that Iwago photographed 12 years ago with a Hina doll is still alive. Iwago tries to take a photo with the same composition as before, but... ▽A cat waits for spring in a rapeseed flower field in Minamichita Town. ▽Narrated by Tsukamoto Takashi
1x112 - Nara
April 7, 2022
The kitties of Aoniyoshi Nara are... ▽A handmade cat door made of shoji paper at a nunnery ▽Cats and deer performing together in Nara Park ▽Iwago walks up the stairs where it is said that if a human falls, they will be reborn as a cat... ▽A cat living in the atelier of a popular fashion brand ▽A cat that reacts to its master's playing on the flute ▽Cats playing in the plum grove ▽Narrated by Kobayashi Kaor
1x113 - Hakone and Odawara
May 19, 2022
Mascot cat of the ropeway station on the shores of Lake Ashi ▽A cat living at Choanji Temple in Sengokuhara strolls among the arhat statues ▽The mascot cat of a rice-pot restaurant with a hot spring ▽A cat playing with bamboo shoots in the fields ▽A cat living in a tenement house in Odawara ▽All seafood? A gourmet cat at a fishing port ▽A cat and a snowstorm of cherry blossom petals ▽Narrated by Kashiyuka (Perfume)
1x114 - Ibaraki
June 9, 2022
What is the relationship between a dog flying in the sky on a paraglider and a cat staring at it? ▽A cat coaching golf? ▽The bond between surfer girls and cats ▽A cat playing volleyball? ▽The acting skills of a veteran cat actor ▽Narrated by Mone Kamishiraishi
1x115 - Nigata
July 7, 2022
An uneasy atmosphere hangs over the relationship between Saburou and Tora, who live at the winery. Tora, who arrived two years earlier, sees Saburou as an intruder. Tora lies in wait in Saburou's bed. Then Saburou appears... ▽Arashi, a cat, is rescued after getting lost on a typhoon day. His owner returned to Niigata from Tokyo and took over his family's farm, so Arashi became the farm cat. Now he sometimes catches mice in the rice fields to protect the seedlings. ▽Narration by Miyazaki Aoi
1x116 - Furano
August 4, 2022
Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels to Furano, Hokkaido! With his back to a row of poplar trees, a cat dives into a shining green wheat field. At an art museum in the forest, a 16-day-old baby cat lets out a cute cry. At a pension overlooking the mountains, he meets a cat that moved here from Singapore. At a ryokan in Furano city, two mascot cats take turns climbing atop its favorite antique clock. In Minamifurano town, he finds a cat by the river surrounded by thickets of butterbur. It is playing happily in a handmade wooden house. Narrated by Tsukamoto Takashi.
1x117 - Kushiro Tokachi
September 15, 2022
Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki heads to Kushiro and Tokachi! He canoe-walks with his kitty on Lake Kussharo in the early morning. He encounters a Yezo deer on the Kushiro River and succeeds in capturing a dynamic scene! Three cute kittens synchronize at Lake Akan!? A cat at a hot spring inn in Ashoro-cho guides him to a secret spot in the forest. In Kushiro, he visits a deep spot known only to those in the know, where cats gather at night under the neon lights. Two cats who used to live on the beach for kelp fishing have moved from Sapporo and seem content with life by the sea. Narrated by Tsukamoto Takashi.
1x118 - Osaka
October 20, 2022
Iwago searches for cats in Osaka, and in Hozenji Yokocho he finds a cat standing in a water-spraying immovable pose. He says it has been living there with its companions for eight years. Next, he zooms in on a cat in a corner of Shinsekai overlooking Tsutenkaku. He then travels to Sakai City to visit a boxing gym. The sparring cats sometimes even tightrope-walk on the ropes of the ring. At Nozaki Kannon Temple, known for the love story of Osome Hisamatsu, two cats guide him around the famous sights. He also films a danjiri carving workshop and a tea ceremony class. Finally, he returns to Hozenji Yokocho, where he encounters an autumn storm at night.
1x119 - Miyagi
November 3, 2022
We searched for cats amidst the beautiful greenery of Miyagi. In a glass workshop on the outskirts of Sendai, there is a beautiful calico cat whose expression and movements change as soon as he steps outside, as if he is in the savanna. In Kurihara, a museum converted from an old house, the cats are busy patrolling, preparing for the museum's opening. In Osaki, we met a cat that had been rescued after the earthquake at a farm surrounded by forests. There were six cats at Miyagi's traditional kokeshi workshop. Many cats have lived here for a long time, but for some reason only one is allowed inside the workshop, a strange rule.
1x120 - Shimane
December 1, 2022
Iwago photographs cats of Shimane in scenes that bring back memories. In a town leading to Iwami Ginzan, a registered World Heritage Site, he meets a cat who shows him around the town. In a port town overlooking Mt. Daisen, cats stroll leisurely along the cobblestones, and at the fishing port, the cats are given fresh horse mackerel. At a farm full of kittens, Iwago is reminded of the Yamata no Orochi as they enthusiastically eat their food. A climbing kiln is the perfect playground for a cat, while a cat living at a sake brewery has a job of patrolling. In the mountain village, you can feel the signs of autumn with the cats.
1x121 - Mie
January 7, 2023
An expanded 90-minute version of animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki's journey around Mie. From seaside towns to mountain villages, he encounters cats living freely among beautiful scenery. This time, he also tries out new filming techniques, such as 360-degree cameras, super close-ups, and upgraded moving cameras from the cat's point of view. You can enjoy the adorable cats to your heart's content in amazing footage. Appearances include a pearl farm, cats on a cape that can be seen from sunrise to sunset, and cats at an Iga ware kiln with autumn leaves.
1x122 - Amakusa and Kumamoto
February 2, 2023
I went to Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture. There are 230 cats living in Yushima, where I met three adorable kittens and a boy who is kind to cats. In Sakitsu, I was surprised to come across a cat that looked just like the one I photographed 20 years ago.
1x123 - Tokushima
February 23, 2023
Searching for cats in Tokushima. I was surprised by the snow-covered scenery in the mountain town, and the shrine known as Nekogami-san was full of small beckoning cats. I also filmed at the beautiful beach at sunrise, an indigo dyeing workshop, and a shrimp farm.
1x124 - Miyazaki
March 2, 2023
Iwago-san went to Miyazaki. Cats on a palm beach, turtles chasing cats at the aquarium. Miyazaki is famous for mangoes and cats sleeping under the trees. In a mountain village, there are five friendly cat sisters.
1x125 - Shiga
March 23, 2023
We went to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. There were cats strolling along the shoreline and the boss cat of the fishing port. There were also cats at the castle ruins overlooking the lake. At Shigaraki Pottery Village, there were raccoon dog ornaments and cats. There was also a cat walking with a dog while looking at Hikone Castle.
1x126 - Okayama
April 27, 2023
Iwago-san went to Okayama. First, he went to Oji-ga-take to see the sunrise and cats. In Kurashiki, he went to the white-walled streets, Kurashiki River, and Jeans Street. In the Seto Inland Sea, he went to Mutsushima. A cat at a Bizen pottery kiln drinks water from a sake cup.
1x127 - Yamanashi
May 25, 2023
This time, we searched for cats in Yamanashi, saw cats and Mt. Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi, and saw a cat climbing a peach tree in Fuefuki City, a peach-producing area. We also filmed a cat playing with an old grape vine at a winery, and a temple associated with Takeda Shingen and Shosenkyo
1x128 - Oita
June 29, 2023
This time in Oita Prefecture. A cat in Beppu grooms itself with steam rising from the hot springs on its back. What is the favorite place of the cat at the sake brewery in Usuki? For some reason, the cat in Yufuin likes to stand on top of manholes. And a dramatic encounter on a street corner in Beppu.
1x129 - Fukui
July 27, 2023
This time, we photographed cats on the rocks of Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture and on the seaweed fishing beach. We also photographed a mother and her kitten at Makie Kobo. We also photographed cats at two lakes in Mikatagoko Lakes. We also photographed cats at an eyeglass store, a shrine, and a farm.
1x130 - Tottori
August 31, 2023
This time in Tottori. A cat living with camels in the Tottori Sand Dunes. A large family of 11 in a town overlooking Mt. Daisen. A cat and a monster character on Mizuki Shigeru Road. At a port, a pear orchard, a photo studio, a temple, and a textile workshop in a mountain village.
1x131 - Gifu
September 28, 2023
A cat in the attic of a Gassho-style house in Shirakawa-go, Gifu. A cat with amazing creatures in the mountains, a cat with beautiful eyes in Magome-juku, Ogaki Castle, Oda Nobunaga's temple, and even Takayama.
1x132 - Akita
October 26, 2023
Cat walking in Akita. A couple and their mother and kitten on a farm in Senboku City, and cats living in a storehouse in Kakunodate. Akita dogs and cats in Odate, and sheep and cats in Oga City, known for Namahage. Also in Kisakata, Yokote City, and Kitaakita City.
1x133 - Saga
November 30, 2023
Saga. A torii gate standing in the Ariake Sea and the morning sun. Imari, encounters with chimneys and stone-paved alleys. A Karatsu ware plate with a cat on it, modeled on a dandy 11-year-old. Walking with a cat on the island of Karatsu in the Genkai Sea, where camellias grow naturally.
1x134 - Granada, Spain
December 21, 2023
This is the first overseas episode in three and a half years, and it is in Granada, Spain, where the Alhambra Palace is located, which Iwago had been hoping to visit. A cat watches flamenco in the old town with its cobblestone streets, and he also encounters cats in a cave dwelling.
1x135 - Kyoto
January 18, 2024
A trip of reunions and new encounters in Kyoto, a place visited on a program in 2017. What was the old cat doing at Amanohashidate and other famous autumn foliage spots? There were exciting encounters at the magnificent bamboo forest and the beach where the sun was setting on the Sea of Japan.
1x136 - Gunma
February 22, 2024
Iwago-san, who is visiting Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma for the first time, encounters a cat in the steam. He also visits the scenic spot of Lake Haruna and a cat playing a staring contest with a Daruma doll. He also visits a leek farm in Shimonita and Shima Onsen at the foot of Mount Asama.
1x137 - Palau
March 21, 2024
Palau is surrounded by emerald green seas and is a perpetual summer. If you look for cats along the coast, you will find cats strolling on the beach. At low tide, the mangrove-covered beach is a humorous sight of cats and many crabs.
1x138 - Argentina
April 13, 2024
This time, we're in Argentina. We filmed tango and cats in Buenos Aires, a cat on a colorful street corner, and a cat who loves the violin. At a ranch on the Great Plains, we filmed a kitten with its face covered in fresh milk.
1x139 - Hagi, Yamaguchi
June 8, 2024
This time, Iwago is in Normandy, France. It's been 45 years since he last visited Mont Saint-Michel. He encounters a port town at the mouth of the Seine, blooming apple orchards, and cats living in an artist's studio.
1x140 - Normandy
July 13, 2024
1x141 - Aomori
September 21, 2024
1x142 - Seoul, South Korea
October 19, 2024
1x143 - Yamanashi
October 26, 2024
1x144 - Episode 144
December 14, 2024