Episode 149

Mitsuaki Iwago

Episode 150

Episode 148

Our first episode focuses on cats in Istanbul, Turkey. Cats are considered sacred animals in Turkey, so every stray cat on the streets has a name. The whole city seems to be home to cats, including "Saffron," the plump spice shop clerk, "Orcan," who competes for love on the rooftop of a tourist attraction, and even cats living in the World Heritage site, Hagia Sophia. World-renowned animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki gets up close and personal with the cats who live there and are cherished by people.

Istanbul

Aegean Isles

The third episode focuses on cats in Sorrento, a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Italy, and on the island of Capri. In the alleys of Capri, which a 19th-century poet called "Cat Walks," he encounters a cat intent on grooming itself but disinterested in the camera, captures the wild behavior of cats climbing trees in a lemon orchard, and encounters cats engaged in a fierce battle at a fishing port. He also touches on the intimate world of a man who has been feeding his cats every day for 20 years. Iwago Mitsuaki gets up close and personal with the cats who live freely on a vast lemon farm and on an island surrounded by blue seas.

Sorrento and Capri

Havana, Cuba

Key West, Florida

Marrakesh, Morocco

Taiwan

Portugal

Seto Inland Sea

Andalusia

Morocco, Sea and Mountains

Bulgaria

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki visits Dubrovnik, a World Heritage city on the Adriatic Sea. He is drawn to the old town by cats that jump between boats and cobblestones. He sees "Billy," a cat that is beautiful as it pounces on doves; "Lily," who shows off her yawning in a bar on Okinoshima Island; and "Kiko," who lets him photograph lizard hunting in a village overlooking the sea. A dog and a cat are dozing together in an old Soviet-made car parked in a vacant lot. Iwago says, "Cats that grow up under the open sky also have bigger spirits."

Dubrovnik

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki meets cats in Sicily. Every morning at the fishing port, there is a restaurant where "feasts fly out." A little way off the coast is a mountain landscape. A scene where "cows, cats, sheep, goats, and pigs" gather together, which made Iwago want to photograph them! This is Iwago's fourth visit to Sicily. He goes again to meet "Domenico," whom he photographed before. "A 12-year-old male with a big face," would be over 80 years old in human terms, but he is still active in love. He has discovered the secret to a long life!

Sicily

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki walks through rural villages in the south of France, meeting cats. Many of the homes are pet cats, and Iwago encounters his favorite type of cat, a "big-faced" cat, on a "rural stroll"! The cat he meets under a chestnut tree is dining all over the village! He also encounters a rare cat with "blue fur." ​​Don't miss the sight of a cat hunting snakes. Iwago gets up close and personal with the cats of this rural village, who are skilled at being cuddly while dining with human families.

Rural Southern France

Okinawa

Hawaii

Chile

Uruguay

Yamaguchi

Norway

Belgium

Scotland

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki encounters cats in Paris, France. White cats living with Parisian women in an apartment overlooking Montmartre! A cat living on a boat moored on the Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower! In the city of flowers, a girl and a cat approach each other... Two cats in a sculptor's studio stand motionless like statues, and Iwago is completely smitten! Cafe cats and a violin shop cat also make an appearance! An hour of enjoying Parisian cats!

Paris

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki comes face to face with cats in Malaysia, Southeast Asia. On a hill overlooking the Straits of Malacca, at the ruins of a World Heritage church, a cat glows golden in the setting sun, and there is the shadow of another cat! In Borneo, we visit floating houses where people and cats live together. Malaysian cats are laid-back! They expose their bellies defenselessly and take naps with their paws raised. In an indigenous village lined with bamboo houses, kittens go on a great adventure, but are frozen by a dog's barking. Iwago's warm gaze!

Malaysia

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki follows the cats living in Chiang Mai, Thailand! At the temple, a kitten plays with a Buddha statue. It looks like it's having fun sticking its hand into a drainage hole! Is it disturbing the monks while they pray? At an elephant breeding center, cats and elephants live together! In the mountainous region, a cat keeps warm by the fireplace all day, not moving even when covered in ashes! In the city of Chiang Mai, Iwago comes across a Siamese cat that he had been dying to meet, and he falls head over heels in love with it!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki follows the cats of New Orleans in the southern United States! The cats of this jazz town live in close contact with music. A cat in a jazz club dozes off to the sounds of piano music... There's also a cat dozing off at the entrance to a record store! There's also an old cat patrolling a large plantation, and a cat that walks around the courtyard of a historic hotel as if it owns the place. And in the city center, Iwago has a touching reunion with the mascot cat of a bar he once met!

New Orleans

The setting is Spain! Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki follows cats in the capital, Madrid! Under the blazing sun, the cats live peacefully and leisurely. The cat looks pleased as it listens to flamenco guitar... The cats find some shade in the park in the center and enjoy their siesta! The cat who lives in a vegetable garden has an awkward distance from the residents who gather there... Iwago visits a village rich in nature and is captivated by the beautiful sight of cats climbing onto the roof under the moonlight!

Madrid, Spain

The setting is America! Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago approaches the cats of Charleston on the East Coast from a cat's perspective! Charleston is actually known as the most popular tourist destination in the United States. The cats are free to wander anywhere, from the beautiful streets of the historic preservation district, to old Western-style houses, well-maintained gardens, and churches! A guard cat, not a security guard, watches over the gatepost! Iwago visits a vast plantation and casts a warm gaze on the mischievous cat surrounded by sheep.

Charleston

Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago follows the cats of Malta, a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea! Maltese people are kind to cats, and the cats themselves are very easygoing! In the capital, Valletta, the cats are fed by five different people and have full stomachs! An old man who enjoys fishing gives the cats most of their catch! During the dazzling sunshine, they take a relaxing nap! A day in the life of a Maltese cat, surrounded by beautiful scenery from before sunrise to dusk! So adorable!

Malta

The setting is Cairns, Australia! Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago follows cats in this famous tourist town facing the Great Barrier Reef! Cats walking around the beach as if they own the place! Cats acting like sailors going on a boat cruise! Cats roaming the garden as if competing with wallabies! Cats enjoy a carefree life on lime and coffee farms and on a ranch with many cows! We get up close and personal with cats who enjoy the rich sea and forests that are unique to Cairns!

Cairns, Australia

The setting is Eastern Europe, Romania. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki gets up close and personal with cats! With the castle from the legend of Dracula behind him, the cat takes off, where does it go? A kitten playing around in a corn yard, and for some reason doing pull-ups on a cart? A cat that isn't afraid of a procession of cows, walks with them! A cat in an atelier where religious paintings are done gets lunch from everyone...Cats, people, animals, and livestock are all friendly in Romania! Meet cats overflowing with warmth.

Romania

The setting is Melbourne. Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago approaches the cats living in Australia's second largest city from a cat's perspective! A mascot cat at a long-established cinema! Audiences line up to pet the cat after watching a movie? A cat wanders around a beauty salon, getting petted by everyone... and a meow takes a nap in the sun at an art gallery! The oldest cat on the show appears at a wine farm! What will he do when he encounters a kangaroo while on patrol?

Melbourne

The setting is Central Europe, the Czech Republic. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki follows cats in the capital city of Prague! Cats look down on the historic city, a World Heritage Site, and their playground is a beautiful garden! The big-faced black cat that Iwago likes has an incredible presence! At the monastery, there is a cat that the priest loves dearly! Plus, this time, there are lots of kittens! The kitten in the puppet theater fits inside the set... the kitten in the garden can't get down from the block... Prague's kittens are just so cute!

Prague

Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago follows the cats who live in Bali, Indonesia, surrounded by the devout people and beautiful nature of the island, also known as the "Island of the Gods." At the temple, cats stroll freely among the people praying, munching on offerings! At a gamelan performer's house, a cat yawns loudly and takes a nap right next to the performer! In the beautiful rice terraces, a cat wanders here and there among the rice stalks... Meet the strong, generous cats in the unique atmosphere of Bali!

Bali

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago approaches the cats who live leisurely in the vibrant Asian city from a cat's perspective! Not minding the hustle and bustle of the city with motorbikes and peddlers, Nyan is completely relaxed. A well-groomed pure white cat dozes off on a table in a lively food stall... In an old house, a mother cat jumps onto the roof with a baby cat in her mouth! Where to? In Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site, cats living in floating houses run around on the thin boards surrounding their cages!

Hanoi, Vietnam

The setting for this episode is Peru, South America. Cats live on floating islands on Lake Titicaca at an altitude of 3,890m. Cats live in villages surrounded by the Andes mountains around Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago follows the expressions of cats living surrounded by the majestic and sometimes harsh nature of the high mountains and the kindness of the people.

Peru

The setting for this episode is Croatia, a beautiful country facing the Mediterranean Sea. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki gets up close and personal with cats! In a walled city facing the Adriatic Sea, a shy young male cat struggles to figure out how to approach a female. On a cliff surrounded by forest along the river, a cat goes exploring towards a waterfall below! In Croatia, where you can encounter so many cats that you can find a "cat gathering" on every street corner, pay attention to the distances between the cats!

Croatia

The setting is Latvia, a country in northern Europe, the middle of the three Baltic states. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki gets up close and personal with the cats of this country, a land of beautiful greenery and water! The location shoot took place at the end of April, just as spring has come after a long winter! A cat feels the spring by rubbing its body against the sunlight shining on the soil, a cat takes a walk in the Baltic Sea in the spring breeze, a cat enjoys the springtime by the water and the scent of greenery, a cat plays with bees... everyone is enjoying spring in their own way! In the capital, Riga, there's a cat in the mayor's office? Iwago Mitsuaki gives us an up-close look!

Latvia

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki photographs cats on the streets of the world from a cat's perspective! This time, he visits Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the host city of the Olympic Games. A cat lying leisurely on a beautiful beach, leaning against a sand dune. Friendly cats living in the courtyard-like alleys of the old town, where 19th century buildings remain. A cat walking with its owner every day to a coffee plantation surrounded by forest on the outskirts... One after another, cats enveloped in the kindness of the Brazilian people are introduced.

Rio de Janeiro

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki approaches Amsterdam, Netherlands, from a cat's perspective! A cat leisurely walks along the canal as if on patrol. After fighting over territory with waterfowl, it stops by a hair salon for a rest. There is also an adorable sight of a newly moved cat timidly crossing the road. The courtyard of an apartment building where many cats live is a cat's paradise! We also visit a cat who lives in a windmill house in a suburban town with a fairy-tale landscape of windmills and pastures.

Amsterdam

The story is set in New York, USA. Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago meets cats living in the big city. At a pizza restaurant in Brooklyn, he discovers a cat taking a nap on a sign. At a law firm in Manhattan, a cat sleeps peacefully despite a difficult discussion. There is also a brave cat who lounges on the sidewalk without worrying about the people passing by. Even in the big city, cats are free and easy. What kind of New Yorker will this toddling kitten become?

New York

The setting is England. Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago looks at cats living freely in the beautiful countryside. Cats in England are somewhat wild. Cats that hunt by detecting the location of birds only by sound, cats that walk long distances across bridges, cats that walk leisurely through pastures, and more. As Iwago follows the cats he has found with his unique sense of smell, he uncovers a mysterious world! He even sees a cat unique to England taking a nap on the counter of a pub.

England

Mitsuaki Iwago photographs cats in Sri Lanka from the unique perspective of an animal photographer. A cat carefully grooms itself beside a bathing elephant. A cat running around in the tea fields on the plateau loves milk tea! There is also a kitten frolicking on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean. Cats live freely in beautiful nature. In fact, they love people, receiving fish at the fish market and listening comfortably to sutras at temples. Let yourself be soothed by the sight of these adorable cats!

Sri Lanka

Mitsuaki Iwago photographs cats in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic from the unique perspective of an animal photographer. He visits Kutná Hora, Holašovice, and Český Krumlov, which are registered as World Heritage sites. He captures adorable cats in the beautiful scenery unique to Bohemia, including cats living in a majestic castle built in the Middle Ages and cats enjoying fishing in a tranquil village lined with baroque houses. Iwago says, "Czech cats have cute faces." These adorable cats will soothe your soul!

Czech Republic

Mitsuaki Iwago takes a close look at the cats of "Singapore" from an animal photographer's perspective. Cats unique to this multi-ethnic country are featured, including a cat watching the sunrise next to the Merlion, a cat playing in front of a mosque, and a cat in Chinatown receiving chicken from an old man playing shogi. Don't miss the big, plump cat he encountered on the island across the river! He lived a leisurely life in the pleasant sea breeze. Seeing Singapore from a cat's perspective, you can discover a different charm!

Singapore

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki photographed cats in Kyoto over the course of a year in this special. Adorable cats appear in seasonal landscapes, including a shrine where 14 cats live, a black cat at a temple with beautiful autumn leaves, and a cat playing with a maiko. The sad expression on the face of a stray cat who can't fit in with the others. The kindness of a male cat raising a kitten. You'll be able to feel the charm and depth of cats living alongside humans through the subtle changes in their expressions and their growth, which he was able to capture only by following them for a year!

The Four Seasons of Kyoto: Prologue

In this popular series, Mitsuaki Iwago takes a closer look at cats from around the world from an animal photographer's perspective. This time, we have cats from Hong Kong. What is the "beckoning cat" at the Chinese medicine store playing with? What does the cat at the snake restaurant look like? What is the cat riding on as it enjoys the night view? Just looking at any of these cats will warm your heart. The familiar scenery of Hong Kong may look a little different from a cat's perspective.

Hong Kong

In this popular series, Iwago Mitsuaki photographs cats from the unique perspective of an animal photographer. The setting is Crete, Greece. On this island, where Zeus, the god of Greek mythology, was born and raised, you will encounter cats claiming 4,000-year-old ruins as their territory, cats hiding in castle walls to avoid strong winds, and cats basking in the sun in a monastery while listening to the sounds of prayer. As winter turns to spring, the light shining through the clouds creates a dramatic portrayal of the cats. The love games between the cats are also adorable!

Crete

Mitsuaki Iwago shot the film in Moldova, Eastern Europe. Among the vineyards, he encountered cats living in harmony with nature, capturing footage that "sounded like the camera itself had become the cat." In the courtyard of an apartment complex, a cat snuggles up to an elderly person. Filled with heartwarming footage of cats that will make you wish you could live a life like that! There are also kittens sleeping beside a mother and daughter enjoying traditional embroidery. The adorableness of fluffy cats playing in the out-of-season snow is heartwarming!

Moldova

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki meets cats all over the world. This time he went to Cinque Terre on the Mediterranean coast in northern Italy. Cinque Terre is a beautiful area of ​​five small villages along the coast that has been registered as a World Heritage Site and is also popular as a tourist destination. What Iwago wanted to photograph here was, of all things, cats on the roofs, because he had heard that the cats here love being on the roofs. He chased the cats as they roamed from roof to roof and took photos with the beautiful sea and townscape in the background.

Cinque Terre

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats, and this time the setting is San Francisco. In San Francisco, a city of hills and fog, he encounters a kitty at a window! In a residential area on the hills, Iwago comes face to face with a sphinx cat, making its first appearance on the show, through a window! A pair of cat brothers living in a floating house lead an elegant life watching the birds by the water... A leopard-print cat strolls alongside a cable car. We get up close and personal with cats in the suburbs of San Francisco.

San Francisco

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats, and this time the setting is Eastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Mostar, a city that was once a fierce battleground during the ethnic conflict and is now registered as a World Heritage Site, a cat peacefully grooms itself. A brown tabby brother and sister play together happily. In a village on the outskirts, a cat is smoked in a charcoal kiln. Don't miss the sight of a cat on a sheep farm climbing onto a dog's tummy and kneading with pleasure. Iwago encounters cats that seem like they belong in a fairy tale.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats, and this time he travels to Prince Edward Island, Canada. The setting for the novel "Anne of Green Gables," the cats live freely among sparkling waters and vibrant greenery. They hunt in the fields and beg for milk in the town, living in harmony with the island's residents. He also encountered a cat that was curled up like a ball and a cat at a historic racetrack. He photographed cats as if they were playing in Anne's world.

Prince Edward Island

The stage for this popular series in which animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats is the United Arab Emirates. Most of the country is desert, and Iwago had always wanted to shoot in the desert. There he encountered a beautiful white cat. He aimed to capture its dynamic appearance against the backdrop of the contrast between the sand and the sky. He also encountered some charming cats in the tourist city of Dubai. In the market, a cat walks confidently through the crowds and is loved by many. There is also a cat relaxing on the marble floors of a luxurious mansion.

United Arab Emirates

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats, and this time the setting is Zanzibar. This island is located east of Tanzania, Africa, and Iwago encountered many kittens here. Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island. It is clove harvest season in the village, and kittens are roaming among the drying racks. He also discovered a newborn baby in an alley in Stone Town on the west side of the island, and on the coast he encountered a pair of cute brothers who were not afraid of the water as they went on an adventure.

Zanzibar

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki visited Bhutan at the foot of the Himalayas. In Punakha, at an altitude of 1,300m, threshing work is in full swing, while a cat plays around chasing grasshoppers nearby. At Paro temple, at an altitude of 2,200m, Iwago took a satisfying shot of a cat and a monk in a hall bathed in sunlight and filled with the scent of incense. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2,900m, is a wetland blessed with abundant water sources, where cranes fly in in winter. The cat and girl he met here live a simple but spiritually rich life under an endless blue sky.

Bhutan

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki says, "You can understand a country and the lives of its people by looking at its cats." So this time, he will re-edit his previous programs to show us what kind of America we can see through cats, having visited America the most on his world cat walks. He will visit six locations, from New York in the east to the west coast and Hawaii. A vast country with many ethnic groups, a superpower that is always in the spotlight, what kind of America has Iwago's camera captured through the eyes of cats? Discover America.

Photographing America

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world to photograph cats, and this time he travels to Noto in the Hokuriku region. Cats endure the strong winds of the Sea of ​​Japan, and sometimes even snowstorms. In the morning at the fishing port, cats gather in search of fish. Cats are also part of daily life in Noto. Cats take their morning walks at the Wajima morning market, and you can also encounter cats at Wajima lacquerware workshops and old houses in the mountains. And then there's the Tateyama mountain range across the Sea of ​​Japan, and cats - footage Iwago was determined to capture. He captures cats waiting for the fleeting blue sky and the arrival of spring.

Noto

This episode of animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki's popular series takes him to Cambodia in Southeast Asia. The shoot took place during the dry season, where stilt houses on the shores of a lake are 6m above ground level. At this time of year, shops are set up in the open air, and cats roam among them. Iwago aimed to capture the movements of these cats. In the humid and muggy climate of Cambodia, hammocks are perfect for taking afternoon naps, and a kitty is napping underneath it, when something happens. A cat is also spotted strolling among the ruins of Angkor Wat, and its beautiful silhouette against the setting sun is also a highlight

Cambodia

This is a popular series by animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki. The setting is Fiji, known as a resort destination in the South Pacific. The shooting took place during the rainy season, a time when there is a lot of rain. Iwago aimed to depict the lesser known rainy side of Fiji. Cute kittens stroll along the beach after the rain, and when it rains again, they take shelter in the green bushes. Even in the pouring rain, children play happily, but the cats take a nap at home. And a rainbow appears over the beach. The lives of people and cats are depicted in such rainy season scenery.

Fiji

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world photographing cats. This time, the setting is Cyprus in the Mediterranean. The cats that patrol the Temple of Apollo, which appears in mythology, are skilled at killing poisonous snakes. The white cats in the white stone village stand out beautifully in the Mediterranean sunlight. There are cats on the cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea, cats playing with a large jar at a winery, and 18 cats living in a monastery in the mountains. The people of the island met the cats that they call "friends and family."

Cyprus

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki photographs cats from around the world. This time, he takes a look at the beautiful Swiss Alps. A young girl plays with goats, dogs and cats on a farm in the green mountains. In a lake fed by melting snow, a cat begs for ham in a mountain hut, and when satisfied, gulps down the cold water from the lake. At a mountain hut overlooking the north face of the Eiger, two sibling cats enjoy chasing each other. Against the backdrop of the majestic Alps, these charming photographs capture the tough lives of cats.

Switzerland

A popular series by animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki. This time he visits the lush green country of Ireland. A white cat shows off its cute behavior on a hill in the Aran Islands, known for its sweaters. Cats live in a residential area of ​​Dublin, the capital, when a fox appears, surprising the cat with its surprising behavior. Cats live with sheep and dogs on a rural farm, and Iwago is very satisfied to have been able to capture this heartwarming scene.

Ireland

In this popular series, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels around the world photographing cats. This time he travels to the Nordic island of Iceland. At a ranch spread across lava land formed by volcanic activity, he meets cats playing with horses and kittens who use a cavity formed in the ground as their playground. The wind is strong and the natural environment is harsh, but the cats are very energetic. In Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, cats are important partners to the citizens. He encounters cats at the city hall, in the square, and in residential areas. He also managed to capture a touching scene at a goat ranch.

Iceland

Cypress trees stretch straight up into the blue sky, a landscape that seems almost like a painting. This is Tuscany, Italy. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki came here after hearing that cats live in the bright sunshine and abundant nature. He found a large male cat on the hillside lined with cypress trees. In the alleys where cats gather in the cobblestone town, he saw a mother and her kitten scratching their claws, a strong-looking black cat, and a cute white cat. He also encountered cats at the town's beautiful church tower and at an organic winery.

Tuscany, Italy

In the Basque region of Spain, facing the North Atlantic, a cat looked happy after receiving some sardines in a port town. It prefers fish to meat, which is why it was given a strange name. Basque cats meow a lot, and on a hill by the sea, Iwago and a white cat meowed at each other for 30 minutes. At the home of a contemporary artist, Iwago also became the godfather of a new cat. The Basque region has its own unique culture and language, and Iwago, who was visiting the Basque region for the first time, photographed the unique cats while discovering another Spain.

Basque Country, Spain

With colorful flags and bright orange marigold flowers lining the streets, the Mexican city of Guanajuato was preparing to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a festival similar to the Japanese Obon festival. Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki fell in love at first sight with a courageous cat he met there. Iwago then decided to climb a hill overlooking the rows of colorful houses and search for cats from there, and visit any he found. Iwago, who has found many cats, shared his secret to finding cats.

Mexico

Iwago traveled to Costa Rica in Central America, a country blessed with clear blue seas and skies and abundant nature. He came across a black and white female cat on a deserted beach as the sun rose. "She's quite beautiful," Iwago thought, and immediately began filming her. When he visited the house where she lives, he found breakfast on the dining table, and the cat was given a traditional Costa Rican meal made from rice and beans. He also came across a boy doting on a kitten at a coffee plantation. The boy loves to climb trees with the kitten. Why? He also filmed cats on a beautiful ranch.

Costa Rica

Jamaica

Iwago Mitsuaki, an animal photographer who has photographed cats all over the world, visited Kudaka Island in Okinawa in response to viewers' requests to see Japanese cats. He met a one-year-old cat on the cape, and although it was still small, it wandered everywhere on the island. The cat surprised Iwago by using a 100-year-old banyan tree as its playground and going right to the water's edge on the beach to play. Iwago also photographed cats in the daily lives of the island's people, including cats at a fishing port and cats that play with the sound of the sanshin (three-stringed instrument).

Okinawa Kudaka Island

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki went to New Zealand. He wanted to see sheep, kiwis, and the lives of cats in this rugby powerhouse country. When he visited the rugby players, he saw a cat playing with a rugby ball. It seems that its unconventional movements are fun. When he visited a sheep farm, he found that there were only 15 cats there, but there was a reason unique to this country. At a kiwi farm, he was surprised by the beautiful coat of a large 13-year-old male cat considering its age. He also photographed cats in a lovely resort area.

New Zealand

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki visited Inle Lake in Myanmar. There is a temple on the lake, where people live with the water. Perhaps because of the teachings of caring for animals, cats roam freely in the temple hall. When Iwago found out that the cat did not have a name, he became its godfather. The abundant water in the lake is used to grow melons and eggplants. Nyan patrols to protect the crops from rats. Fishing involves going out to sea to set nets, with the cat on board the boat. He also met cats at a workshop that makes folk crafts.

Myanmar

Wine-loving animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki went to Burgundy, France, hoping to see vineyards and cats. He first encountered cats at an old castle in a beautiful little village. He was delighted that the village scenery and cats made for picturesque photos no matter where he took them. He then went to the vineyards where wine enthusiasts covet. Here the cats patrol and sharpen their claws on wooden posts. The cats then went to a wine cellar where they posed with 30,000 bottles waiting to be shipped behind them. He also photographed cats on street corners and in the countryside.

Burgundy, France

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki travels to Seattle. While IT companies, mail-order businesses and other businesses have sprung up here, the city is also blessed with such lush greenery that it is nicknamed the Emerald City. Amid the greenery, he spots cats strolling around wearing colorful bandanas and a fuzzy white cat lurking in the bushes in a residential area. He also photographs cats in the great outdoors. He travels to the Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle. In a forest surrounded by mountains, he meets some cats led by a girl who is skilled at imitating animal sounds. He even has a sound-imitating battle with the girl, Iwago.

Seattle, USA

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki went to Victoria, Canada. A white cat suddenly climbed onto his head, but he started off in high spirits, saying it looked like a cloud was riding on it. Victoria is home to many gardens, and it was the season when beautiful flowers were in full bloom. Iwago, who uses cats and flowers as his motif, had a fun location shoot. In a residential area, he came face to face with a cat and a deer, which he successfully photographed. "Victoria is amazing. Flowers, sun, cats, and wild animals. They're all together." Iwago was deeply moved.

Victoria, Canada

The setting for the World Cat Walk is the Romantic Road that runs through southern Germany. In Dinkelsbühel, a popular cat warmly welcomes and sees off travelers at a hotel that dates back to the 16th century. In the circular city of Nördlingen, cats greet tourists at the observation deck of a towering tower. In Schwangau Castle, there is a princely cat. The end of the road is Füssen. A cat that the team encountered in a square is very greedy, begging for food from customers at a bar. Iwago-san resisted the urge to drink a beer while filming.

Romantic Road in Germany

Mongolia, among the vast grasslands and clear blue skies, there is a cat among the nomads who live there. He patrols with a red talismanic cloth around his neck. There are many mice on the grasslands, so cats are an indispensable presence. The horsehead fiddle is an essential part of Mongolian folk music, and when we visit a player, we find a white cat there. The cat is enchanted by the Mongolian tunes. Terelj National Park is a popular tourist destination where you can stay overnight and enjoy horseback riding. The cat here loves riding horses, and enjoys hopping around in people's arms.

Mongolia

Iwago's favorite cat lives on Zaimokuza Beach in Kamakura. He first met the cat two years ago and fell in love with its plump body and yellow fur immediately. It's a popular cat on the beach, and people come to see it from far away, not just locals. After a typhoon hit the Japanese archipelago, he was worried about Iwago, so he went to visit the beach. In Kamakura, he also took photos at Meigetsuin Temple and Manpukuji Temple, and was happy to see that the cats were being well taken care of. He also encountered cats at a jazz cafe on Komachi-dori and a beauty salon in Hayama.

Kamakura

Iwago, who has photographed cats all over the world, wanted to visit previous Olympic venues in 2020 to see how the cats live there. He chose Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games were held. Upon entering the stadium, he found the spectator seats made entirely of marble, and was greeted by a calico cat. The town, home to people who had migrated from the Greek islands, has white-walled alleyways, a place that cats would surely love. Here he photographed the wonderful lives of kind people and cats.

Athens

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki searches for cats in Rome, the site of the Olympic Games. He encounters a cat on the marathon course where barefoot runner Abebe ran. The course is made of rough cobblestones, but the cat seems to be comfortable. The cats in Rome's downtown area are a bit wary, and it's difficult to get close. In the end, he manages to get within two meters, but it takes three hours. Other unique cats that make an appearance include the cats on the canoeing lake, the cats in the city in the sky, and Iwago's favorite cat in the mysterious courtyard.

Rome

Sydney was the site of the 2000 Olympic Games. It was here that we met a gold medalist from the Games and his cat. We discovered a cat walking on the water at the yacht harbor. We learned that it was training hard for a certain competition. Surfing is popular in Australia, and there was a popular cat staying at a guesthouse where surfers gather. We discovered a cat trail in a residential area, and saw some amusing interactions between a boss cat and a younger one. We also photographed a cat and an Australian black ibis on a street corner, revealing that Sydney is a big city, yet rich in nature.

Sydney

This time on our World Cat Walk, we visit Barcelona. Iwago wanted to photograph cats alongside Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia, and he found the perfect spot to surpass his expectations. In the old town, he found a sociable cat in an atmospheric second-hand bookstore. It's a beckoning cat that quickly becomes friends with people passing by. On a green hill, he found a cat he liked and ended up giving it a name. In Barcelona, ​​an artist doted on cats. He photographed cats playing in the artist's studio and cats listening to music being played.

Barcelona

Animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki went to Los Angeles. Under the blue sky, he met an artist cat on a terrace along the coast. Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, and celebrities' homes are home to celebrity cats, whose names are surprising. He discovered a cat next to a cactus at a resort in the desert. He then went to the world of art, which has recently become a hot topic on social media, where he met a mother and her kitten who live as if they are protecting this land. Iwago was touched by the sight of a young volunteer spending time on top of a giant mountain of art.

Los Angeles

Wanting to photograph cats in a setting with Mt. Fuji in the background, Iwago first heads to a ranch on the Asagiri Plateau, which spreads out on the west side of the mountain. There he meets a beautiful calico cat with lovely eyes, a beauty who loves to play in nature. He also searches for cats at a fishing port on the Izu Peninsula, where he encounters cats taking naps and begging fishermen for fish while taking in the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. At Lover's Cape, he is reunited with a souvenir shop's mascot cat for the first time in 10 years, and his white fur makes him feel the passage of time. He also encounters cats at temples, tea fields, and a fishing pond fed by underground water from Mt. Fuji.

Fuji and Shizuoka

Aizu is the setting for this journey to meet wonderful cats. When we visit Ouchijuku, we see a black cat in a souvenir shop. It's the third generation mascot cat. In Aizuwakamatsu, we are surprised to see a cat eating from a beautiful bowl at an Aizu lacquer shop. When we visit an old shrine, we are greeted by a white cat, who we haven't seen in four years. We photograph beautiful hydrangeas and cats. In Kitakata, we are reunited with a chubby cat, who joins us on a long walk. We also meet wonderful cats at temples and herb gardens.

Aizu and Fukushima

This time, animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki heads to Boso in Chiba Prefecture. First, he encounters a unique black cat on the coast facing Tokyo Bay. It took up residence about a year ago and was named for its behavior. There are two cats at Kazusa-Ushiku Station. They pop in and out of the stationmaster's office, greet passengers on the platform, and Iwago is amazed at how professional-level they are at petting the cats. He then discovers a calico cat leisurely patrolling among the rice terraces in the mountains. He also photographs cats living in an old house and cats in a pear orchard after the harvest.

Boso and Chiba

The setting for this journey in search of encounters with wonderful cats is the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture. First, on the rocks of Jogashima, we meet a gentle male cat named Ito who has called the area his territory for over 10 years. The Miura Peninsula is also known as a vegetable producing area, and when we visit a radish farm, we come across a cat who brings comfort to the family. Yokosuka is the gateway to the sea, and we visit a cafe with a wooden catwalk and foreign goods where we come across a British breed of cat living there. We also encounter unique cats at an ornamental fish shop, a shrine, and in the forest.

Miura Peninsula

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.

Kawagoe and Chichibu

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.

Sanuki and Kagawa

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

Aki and Hiroshima

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.

Nikko, Nasu, Shiobara

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.

Shimanto and Tosashimizu

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.

Fukuoka - Genkai Sea and Hibiki Sea -

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...

In the scent of downtown Tokyo

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.

In Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood

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.

Iwate

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.

Tokyo Tama

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.

Traditional Life and Cats ~Europe~

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?

Hakodate

Prominent Japanese wildlife photographer and filmmaker Mitsuaki Iwago loves cats of all shapes and sizes. So he's set out on a journey to film cats all over the world as they live their lives. Join him in a cat's-eye view of many diverse cities spanning the globe in a unique program that perhaps even your own cat will enjoy as well!

Episode 149

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Season 1 Episodes156

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