“We cats are not so foolish as to rely on words. We communicate with our entire bodies.”
— Nana the cat reflecting on feline communication.
Archivist's Choice
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Hiro Arikawa (2018)
Genre
Literary Fiction
Reading Time
270 min
Key Themes
See below
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A stoic cat's cross-country journey with his beloved owner unveils a secret as they revisit past friendships, ultimately revealing a farewell disguised as an adventure.
Synopsis
Nana, a stray cat, finds a home with Satoru after being hit by a car. Years later, Satoru takes a road trip across Japan with Nana, visiting old friends to find Nana a new home. They first visit Yoshimine, a gruff farmer, but Nana's independent nature doesn't fit in. Next, they stay with Sugi and Chikako, a warm couple who run a pet-friendly B&B, but Nana senses Satoru's reluctance to leave him there. They then meet Kosuke, a childhood friend of Satoru's who is grieving his wife and struggling to care for his own cat, leading Satoru to reconsider. During their travels, Nana also meets a dog, Chobi, with whom he forms an unexpected bond, challenging his feline ideas. As they visit the seaside, Satoru remembers his childhood and the cats he cared for, showing a deep love for felines. Through these encounters and Satoru's declining health, Nana gradually learns the true reason for their journey: Satoru is terminally ill and is trying to find Nana a stable, loving home before he dies. Despite a final attempt to place Nana with Satoru's aunt Noriko, Nana ultimately chooses to stay with Satoru until his very last moments, providing comfort and companionship as Satoru passes away peacefully, holding Nana close.
Reading time
270 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Slow
Mood
Heartwarming, Melancholy, Reflective, Gentle
✓ Read this if...
You love heartwarming stories about the bond between humans and animals, especially cats, and enjoy gentle, reflective narratives that explore themes of friendship, loss, and the meaning of home.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced plots with high stakes, are sensitive to stories about terminal illness and grief, or dislike animal-centric narratives.
Plot Summary
A Stray Cat Finds a Home
The story begins with Nana, a stray cat living in a parking lot, thinking about his life before meeting Satoru. One day, Satoru, a kind young man, starts leaving food for Nana. Their bond grows after Nana is hit by a car, and Satoru takes him to the vet, paying for his treatment. Satoru names the cat 'Nana' because of his crooked, seven-shaped tail (nana means seven in Japanese). Nana moves into Satoru's small apartment, enjoying a comfortable life with warmth, food, and his beloved owner's constant company. This good life forms their deep connection, which Nana values, even as he watches Satoru's quiet, solitary life.
The Road Trip Begins
Five years after Nana moved in, Satoru tells Nana he can no longer keep him due to unforeseen events, though he doesn't explain why. Nana is sad but trusts Satoru completely. Satoru decides to take Nana on a road trip across Japan in his silver van, planning to visit old friends and find a suitable new owner for Nana. Nana, confused and heartbroken at first, gradually becomes interested in the adventure, watching the changing scenery and Satoru's interactions with the people they meet. This journey, while painful in its purpose, also becomes a final, shared adventure between them, full of new experiences and a deeper understanding of Satoru's past.
Visit to Yoshimine's Farm
Their first stop is with Yoshimine, Satoru's old elementary school friend who now runs a farm in the countryside. Yoshimine is gruff and practical, seeing cats mainly as mousers. He tells a childhood story where Satoru rescued a cat from a ditch, showing Satoru's lifelong kindness towards animals. While Yoshimine seems open to taking Nana, his wife, who is allergic to cats, rejects the idea. Nana, watching the couple, senses the tension and that the home is not right. The visit shows Satoru's loyalty to his friends but also the difficulty of finding a truly compatible home for Nana.
Reunion with Sugi and Chikako
Next, Satoru and Nana travel to Hakone to visit Sugi and Chikako, a kind couple who run a pet-friendly bed and breakfast. Sugi was Satoru's middle school friend. During their stay, Satoru shares stories of his youth, including his first cat, Hachi, who was run over by a car, and how his parents died in a car accident shortly after, leaving him an orphan. The couple, though kind, already have several pets and a busy place. Nana, with his keen cat intuition, observes that while they like Satoru, they are not truly ready to take on another pet, especially one as particular as he is. The B&B, though nice, doesn't feel like Nana's forever home.
Meeting Kosuke and the Grief of Loss
Satoru and Nana then journey to another friend from high school, Kosuke. Kosuke is a sad character whose cat-loving wife has recently left him, taking their cat with her. Kosuke is clearly still grieving his wife and the cat. Satoru remembers how Kosuke helped him through a difficult time after his parents' death, offering him a place to stay and friendship. While Kosuke initially seems like a possible choice, Nana realizes that Kosuke's desire for a cat is tied to his longing for his lost wife and cat, not a genuine connection with Nana himself. Nana, always perceptive, understands that he would simply be a substitute, not a cherished companion.
The Special Dog and the Meaning of Friendship
During their travels, Nana meets Daikichi, a large, friendly dog belonging to one of Satoru's friends. Nana, at first disliking dogs, is surprised by Daikichi's gentle nature and their unexpected connection. Daikichi, who was once a stray, shares a silent understanding with Nana about human kindness and the comfort of a loving home. This interaction changes Nana's ideas about dogs and broadens his understanding of companionship, showing that true friendship can cross species. Their meeting is brief but impactful, giving Nana a new perspective on different forms of love and loyalty.
A Visit to the Seaside and a Childhood Memory
Satoru takes Nana to a beautiful seaside spot, a place with a special memory for him. He tells the story of Hachi, his first cat, whom he found as a tiny kitten washed up on the beach. Hachi became Satoru's beloved companion during his lonely childhood after his parents' death. Hachi's tragic death, hit by a car, mirrors Nana's own initial accident and shows Satoru's lasting care for strays. This tender memory reveals Satoru's deep love and attachment to animals, making Nana understand even more how much he means to Satoru, and vice versa.
The Truth Revealed
As their journey continues and no suitable home is found, Satoru's health clearly worsens. One evening, Satoru finally tells the true reason for their trip: he is terminally ill and does not have long to live. He explains that he wants to make sure Nana has a loving home after he's gone. Nana, though a cat, understands the seriousness and sadness of Satoru's words, sensing the coming loss. This revelation breaks Nana's heart but also strengthens his resolve to stay with Satoru for as long as possible, solidifying their unbreakable bond in the face of tragedy.
A Final Attempt with Aunt Noriko
With time running out and no other options, Satoru takes Nana to his Aunt Noriko, his only living relative. Noriko is a stern but caring woman who took Satoru in after his parents' death. She initially resists taking Nana, having her own rules and a fear of animal attachment due to past losses. However, seeing Satoru's declining health and the deep bond between him and Nana, she reluctantly agrees to consider it. Nana, observing Noriko, senses her underlying kindness despite her gruff exterior, and a glimmer of hope for a future home appears.
Nana's Choice and Satoru's End
Despite Noriko's eventual agreement to take Nana, Nana makes a choice. He refuses to leave Satoru's side, sensing Satoru's coming death and wanting to be with him for every last moment. They return to Satoru's small apartment, their original home, for Satoru's final days. Nana stays by Satoru's side, offering comfort and companionship, showing their unbreakable bond. Satoru passes away peacefully, with Nana curled up beside him, having kept his promise to stay with his beloved human until the very end, completing their journey of love and companionship.
Principal Figures
Nana
The Protagonist
Nana transforms from a cynical stray to a deeply empathetic companion, learning about human love, loss, and the diverse forms of friendship.
Satoru
The Protagonist
Satoru faces his mortality with grace, ensuring Nana's future while reliving and strengthening his bonds with past friends and his beloved cat.
Yoshimine
The Supporting
His character remains largely consistent, serving as a touchstone to Satoru's early life.
Sugi
The Supporting
He serves as a conduit for Satoru's past, reinforcing Satoru's compassionate nature.
Chikako
The Supporting
She helps showcase Satoru's past friendships and reinforces his kind nature.
Kosuke
The Supporting
His narrative arc is one of sustained grief, offering a contrast to Satoru's acceptance of loss.
Noriko
The Supporting
Noriko's initial resistance to taking Nana softens into acceptance, revealing her underlying care for Satoru.
Hachi
The Mentioned
Hachi's story is a flashback, shaping Satoru's character and foreshadowing themes of loss.
Daikichi
The Supporting
Daikichi's brief appearance serves to broaden Nana's perspective on friendship and loyalty.
Themes & Insights
Love and Companionship
The central theme is the unconditional love between Satoru and Nana. Their bond crosses species, showing how animals can be devoted companions. Satoru's selfless quest to find Nana a home before his death, and Nana's loyalty to Satoru, even choosing to stay with him until the end, show this theme. The various human relationships Satoru revisits also show different parts of companionship, from childhood friendships to family duty, all based on shared history and affection.
“A life is a succession of encounters and partings, and what remains after all is said and done is the memory of those encounters. The love and the heartache.”
Loss and Grief
The book explores various forms of loss: Satoru's orphaned childhood after his parents' death and the loss of his first cat, Hachi; Kosuke's grief over his estranged wife and their cat; and the coming loss of Satoru himself. These experiences are handled with care, showing how characters cope with grief and how it shapes their lives. Nana, as the narrator, also feels the pain of coming separation, making the theme of loss personal and universal. The story suggests that while loss is unavoidable, the memories and love shared last.
“I may not be able to do anything for you, but I can be here with you.”
The Meaning of Home
Throughout their journey, Satoru and Nana search for a 'home' for Nana, which changes from a physical place to a sense of belonging and security. For Nana, home is not a house but wherever Satoru is. The various potential homes they visit – a farm, a B&B, a grieving friend's house – show different aspects of what makes a home, often revealing that the most important element is love and genuine connection. Ultimately, home is found in the lasting bond between Satoru and Nana, regardless of location, ending with their return to Satoru's apartment.
“A home is not where you live, but where you are loved.”
Acceptance of Mortality
Satoru's terminal illness forces both him and Nana to face death. Satoru approaches his coming death with grace and selflessness, focusing on Nana's future rather than his own despair. Nana, despite his sorrow, accepts what will happen, choosing to stay by Satoru's side, showing a deep understanding of life's natural cycle. The book handles death not as a terrifying end, but as a part of life, stressing the importance of making the most of the time we have and making sure those we love are cared for, even after we are gone.
“I may not be able to be with you forever, but I can be with you until the very end.”
Memory and the Past
The road trip has visits to Satoru's old friends, bringing up many flashbacks and shared memories of his past. These memories – of his childhood, his first cat Hachi, his parents' death, and his friendships – paint a full picture of Satoru's life and the kindness that defines him. Nana, while not present for these past events, processes these stories through Satoru's emotions and his friends' reactions, gaining a deeper understanding of his human. The past is shown to shape the present, influencing decisions and strengthening bonds.
“Memories are like the stars. They are always there, even if you can't see them in the light of day.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Animal Narration
The story is told from Nana the cat's perspective
The entire novel is narrated by Nana, the cat. This unique perspective allows for a detached yet deeply emotional observation of human behavior, emotions, and the subtleties of relationships. Nana's feline senses and instincts provide insights that a human narrator might miss, offering a fresh and often humorous take on the human world. This device creates a strong bond between the reader and Nana, allowing for empathy with his plight and his love for Satoru, while also giving a voice to the often-unheard animal companion.
Road Trip Narrative
The plot unfolds as Satoru and Nana travel across Japan
The journey across Japan serves as the primary framework for the plot. Each stop introduces new characters and allows for the exploration of Satoru's past through his interactions with old friends. The changing scenery and different environments reflect the emotional landscape of the story and the passage of time. The road trip is not just a physical movement but an emotional and spiritual journey, culminating in Satoru's acceptance of his fate and Nana's ultimate choice of loyalty. It provides a natural progression for the narrative and a way to reveal Satoru's character piecemeal.
Flashbacks and Recollections
Satoru's past is revealed through memories shared with friends
The narrative frequently interweaves flashbacks into the present-day road trip. As Satoru visits his old friends, they reminisce about shared experiences, revealing crucial details about Satoru's childhood, his parents' death, his first cat Hachi, and the kindness that has always defined him. These recollections provide context for Satoru's current situation and motivations, enriching his character and explaining the depth of his compassion. They also allow Nana, and by extension the reader, to understand the full scope of Satoru's life story.
Symbolism of the 'Seven' Tail (Nana)
Nana's crooked tail symbolizes uniqueness and destiny
Nana's crooked, seven-shaped tail is not just the origin of his name but also a subtle symbol throughout the story. The number seven is often associated with luck, spirituality, and completeness. His distinctive tail makes him unique, reflecting his special bond with Satoru. It also marks him as 'chosen' or destined to be Satoru's companion, setting him apart from other cats. The physical imperfection of his tail contrasts with the perfection of his bond with Satoru, suggesting that true beauty lies in unique connections rather than flawless appearances.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“A cat's love is an unspoken promise, written in purrs and headbutts.”
— Nana describing his bond with his owner Satoru.
“Sometimes the journey home is longer than the journey away.”
— During their road trip, contemplating Satoru's past.
“Humans collect memories like treasures, but we cats live in the present.”
— Nana observing human behavior.
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
— At a scenic overlook during their travels.
“You don't choose your family, but you can choose who holds your heart.”
— Reflecting on Satoru's relationships.
“A silent companion speaks volumes in the quiet moments.”
— Describing the comfort of their companionship.
“Every goodbye carries the weight of every hello that came before.”
— As they face separation.
“The road doesn't care where you've been, only where you're going.”
— Philosophizing during their travels.
“To be loved is to be seen, truly seen, whiskers and all.”
— Nana feeling accepted by Satoru.
“Some stories are written in miles traveled together.”
— About the bond formed on their journey.
“A cat's loyalty is not given lightly, but once given, it is forever.”
— Nana's commitment to Satoru.
“The heart remembers what the mind tries to forget.”
— Reflecting on Satoru's painful memories.
“Home isn't a place; it's a feeling you carry with you.”
— Realization during their travels.
“In the end, all journeys lead back to love.”
— The novel's closing sentiment.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows Nana, a stray-turned-housecat, and his owner Satoru as they embark on a road trip across Japan. They visit Satoru's old friends while Nana narrates their journey with feline wit, gradually revealing that Satoru is terminally ill and searching for a new home for Nana before he dies.
