It’s no secret that Japan loves cats and Japanese people have a long history of loving their cats. In fact, the first known instance of cat domestication occurred in ancient Japan.  Cats are ubiquitous in Japan, where they are considered symbols of good luck. In ancient times, cats were used as rat catchers, as they were able to navigate tight spaces and catch rodents.  Japanese culture also has strong ties to the samurai tradition, which prioritized the samurai’s bond with their cats. In addition, the Japanese people traditionally view cats as symbols of good luck and prosperity.