Cat Nation: A Film About Japan's Crazy Cat Culture

Turkish cat enthusiast here. In this movie we are taken to a Japanese cat tour which is enjoyable and interesting if you love cats.

It could be informative too. Alas host knows nothing on the subject. He is not there to cover for that with interviews also. He just makes inane comments. It is evident that he is not a cat lover. He is not sarcastic also.

Don't expect Monthy Python or any other form of British humor. Just a person who is unfit for hosting making inane comments. You could feel insulted if you are Japanese. Don't expect information or insight. It is just a light visual tour with a lacking, banal host.

Chris Broad, a Brit expat living in Japan, provides viewers with a cat-themed exploration of Japanese culture. Cat lovers will likely enjoy the film but there is not really much to it. The trips to a couple of islands overrun with cats are interesting but most of the material, such as the story of Tamu the stationmaster cat or the history of Maneki Neko, can be found online. Broad makes too much of the presence of semi-feral cats wandering around Japanese cities or cat-themed stores in Tokyo as a reflection of the Japanese psyche. Many European cities have large semi-feral cat populations (Florence and Barcelona for example) and we in Canada (which has about the same population as Greater Tokyo) have 'cat-themed' stores, cat cafes, cat sanctuaries, etc but no one considers us a 'cat nation'. There are some fun moments and the cats are either interesting or cute (or both), so watchable but nothing special.

Really great information but the host is very condescending, somewhat judgmental and not very much of a cat lover. While he is talking about the history, legends and culture he makes certain comments and facial expressions which come across as judgmental. This is sad as the documentary has a lot of information about places to visit for cat lovers.

This man does not deserve to create a documentary like this. His bias is unhelpful and his attitude is out of line. I have never seen a more disrespectful host towards Japanese people, culture, and just the commentary is enough to make you stop watching immediately. It shows some examples of great places to see cats, but I recommend you do your own research. If you try to take a look through his eyes and the lens of someone like this host you will only be disappointed. Whether it was insulting cats or making jests about the people of Japan. I could not stand to watch another minute of it.

This documentary gives an interesting look at Japan's cat culture and although it's far from comprehensive, it's a great movie for relaxing on a Sunday afternoon. I'd recommend it for whenever you need to chill after a near panic attack as the cute cats will undoubtedly bring a sense of Zen and peace.