The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a heart warming, bittersweet Japanese novel about the extraordinary bond between a cat named Nana and his devoted owner, Satoru. The story is told primarily through Nana’s eyes, a sarcastic, observant, and deeply loyal former street cat who embarks on a road trip with Satoru to visit old friends (or at least, that’s what Nana initially believes is happening).

Experiencing the world through Nana’s cheeky perspective is an absolute delight, and as their journey unfolds, you gradually piece together the story of Satoru’s past. Learning about Satoru’s life through the eyes of the people who love him makes watching their deep connection grow all the more impactful. It is a true rollercoaster of emotions; without giving anything away, the narrative eventually takes a deeply moving turn.

This is the only book that has ever brought me to tears in its final pages. As a mother to three cats, the emotional weight hit especially close to home. The sheer power of this book proves that the right storytelling can evoke truly profound emotion. I haven’t read another story since that has made me feel quite the same way.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles is easily one of my favourite books of all time, and it officially sparked my passion for building a niche corner on my bookshelf dedicated entirely to Japanese fiction… specifically of the feline variety.

Joining it in that special spot are several other wonderful books in a similar vein that I love:

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura – A thought-provoking story about life, loss, and what truly matters when faced with mortality.

She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai – Interwoven slice of life stories exploring the quiet, comforting ways cats support their owners through everyday struggles.

The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide – A gentle tale about a stray cat who unexpectedly wanders into a couple’s life and brings newfound joy to their home.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa – A heart warming story about grief, classic literature, and a talking tabby who enlists a young boy to save books.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa – A quiet, cosy novel set in Tokyo’s second hand book district about healing, family, and finding comfort in literature.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura – A magical, gentle tale about a mysterious pop-up bookshop, its wise calico cat Kobako, and the healing power of stories for lost souls.

Is there a book in this niche that I’ve missed and should add to my collection? Let me know!