Mitsuaki Iwago
Director
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan (2022)
Season 3
Globe-trotting wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Iwago Mitsuaki, offers the best of a vast collection of cat footage he took in Japan. On this unique trip around the country, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats!
Released Feb. 11, 2022
Episode 5 min
None+
Genres: Documentary
Keywords: tmdb.cat, tmdb.slice-of-life
Production Companies: NHK, NHK Enterprises
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
S3E1 - Shiga: Lake Biwa and Tanuki Raccoon Dogs
We visit Japan's largest and oldest lake, Lake Biwa. A cat leads us to an overlook with a great view of the lake. We meet another cat hiding among the multitude of wares at a Shigaraki ceramics shop.
May 12, 2024, midnight
S3E2 - Yamanashi: Aiming for the Peak
We take in Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and meet some cats on the way. A cat named Bond carries out top-secret missions at a peach orchard. Another cat patrols its home—a 100-year-old winery.
May 19, 2024, midnight
S3E3 - Tokushima: A Breath of Ocean Air
Tokushima has long been famed for its indigo. We visit an indigo-dyeing workshop and meet their mascot, Natsu. Next, we make a wish at a shrine that's popular with cats and cat lovers alike.
May 26, 2024, midnight
S3E4 - Beppu: A Steam-Filled Onsen Resort
We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!
June 2, 2024, midnight
S3E5 - Nara's Todaiji Temple: Deer and Cats
Todaiji Temple is a World Heritage Site. We encounter cats—and also deer—who live at the temple. One cat keeps an eye on his owner's pickle shop. Another cat enjoys listening to flute music.
June 9, 2024, midnight
S3E6 - Okayama: A View of the Seto Inland Sea
Cats show off their climbing skills at a spot overlooking the sea. On the island of Mushima, we meet a cat who takes us to a field of daffodils. The cats tease Iwago by hiding among the flowers.
July 7, 2024, midnight
S3E8 - Chichibu: The Great Outdoors with Cats
Chichibu is a mountainous region with lots of natural beauty. Cats keep watch over a field of red spider lilies and even guide visitors through the mountains! We also meet a cat who lives at a shrine.
July 21, 2024, midnight
S3E7 - Toyama: The Fruits of a Fall Harvest
A cat patrols the rice fields, but there's always time for a midday nap. At a vineyard, we get a tour from a cat named Pinot Noir! He's popular with visitors but always plays it cool.
July 14, 2024, midnight
S3E9 - Kagoshima: A Turtle, Tea Fields, and Cats
A local cat guides us to a fairy tale palace—or rather, a shrine that looks like the palace! Together with Iwago, we visit scenic spots, including a tea farm that's patrolled by an early-rising cat.
July 28, 2024, midnight
S3E10 - Miyazaki: Flowers, Archery, and a Festival
A cat takes a nap among the fragrant flowers at a farm that grows sweet pea flowers. Another cat takes a nap at an archery range! We meet more local cats as residents celebrate a unique tradition.
Aug. 4, 2024, midnight
S3E11 - Mie: Comfy Cats Sitting in Laps
Mama cat Koyuki lives at a pottery workshop and is raising two playful kittens. Taisho, who lives at a fruit shop, keeps an eye on the shopping arcade. Both cats love resting on their owner's laps!
Sept. 15, 2024, midnight
S3E12 - Iwate: Land of History and Horses
Chibita is a friendly cat who lives at a souvenir shop near Chusonji Temple, a World Heritage Site. Popo lives at a horseback riding club with 20 horses! At a rose garden, we meet handsome Kikujiro.
Sept. 21, 2024, midnight
S3E13 - Kagawa: A Cat Island Paradise
Sanagijima Island is home to lots of free-roaming cats. Kuji rests on some cool shrine steps. Other cats hang out close to the sea, carefully making their way along a seawall. What are they doing?
Sept. 28, 2024, midnight
S3E14 - Tsugaru: A Playful Autumn
Ricky was born in an apple orchard. It's a perfect playground for mischievous kittens! Peh spends the autumn in golden rice fields, hiding and hunting grasshoppers. Watch out for his pounce!
Oct. 5, 2024, midnight
S3E15 - Fukui: Tojinbo Cliffs and Lacquerware
Kuro fearlessly patrols the rugged and rocky Tojinbo Cliffs and the nearby shopping street. Quu lives at a lacquerware workshop. She makes her owner's legs fall asleep when she sits on his lap!
Oct. 12, 2024, midnight
S3E16 - Hakodate: The Bounties of a Seaside City
The seaside town of Hakodate has long flourished as a port. One savvy cat waits by a fisherman, hoping he'll share his catch! We meet more local cats at a fish market and a historic graveyard.
Nov. 3, 2024, midnight
S3E17 - Karuizawa: A Relaxing Summer Retreat
Karuizawa is cool even in summer, making it a popular resort town. We meet local cats at a fashionable home goods shop and a restaurant in a remodeled folk home. They're sure to bring in customers!
Nov. 10, 2024, midnight
S3E18 - Yamagata: A Glimpse of Japanese Beauty
We visit a cat at a serene temple garden with a 500-year history. Then, we encounter cats with artisan owners, including a knitting expert and a man who hand carves shogi (Japanese chess) pieces.
Nov. 17, 2024, midnight
S3E19 - Aichi: A Cat Temple and Ceramics
At a temple once believed to have been home to a dragon, we meet 20 playful cats. They show off their favorite spots and play together. Next, we visit Tokoname and meet a real-life beckoning cat!
Nov. 24, 2024, midnight
S3E20 - Ibaraki: Cats in a Surfer's Paradise
A cat hangs out with her owners, a family of surfers who run a beach café. This cool cat gets along with her family's dog, too! Next, we meet a shy cat at a surfboard and skateboard shop.
Dec. 1, 2024, midnight
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Episode Runtime: 5 min.
Season Runtime: 375 min.
Released: Feb. 11, 2022
Last Air Date: Nov. 30, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR
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