Nekomata, a type of Yōkai cat that is widely told. It is often cited in folklore through texts such as classic Kaidan, essays, etc. These can be said to be one of the most popular Yokais.
Thinking about it, the cat-themed fashion in Japan is very successful. Thus, it is logical that these figures from folklore are also mentioned. For example, Maneki-Neko, the lucky cat figure that is extremely popular in Japan.
But anyway, the subject of this article is the Nekomata. Remembering that there is a very similar Yokai to this, the Bakeneko. So, do not confuse the two, they are similar, but they are not the same.
We also recommend reading:
- Maneki Neko – Japanese Lucky Cat – Meaning and Origin
- Neko – Cats in Japan
- Nekojima – Discover 20 Cat Islands in Japan
Table of Contents
Nekomata and its origins
It is believed that the origin of these Nekomata cats comes from China, as similar stories are told even before the Sui dynasty of Japan.
In Japan, there are citations in the Meigetsuki, written in the early Kamakura period, at the beginning of Tenpuku (1233). In this text, there is a statement that a Nekomata ate and killed several people in one night.
This is the first citation seen in literature. Thus, the Nekomata was cited as a beast in the mountains. However, in the “Meigetsuki,” they are described with the eyes of a cat, but with a body as large as a dog. With this description, many are left wondering if it is a feline.
Stories about Nekomata
In a text from Tsurezuregusa, it is mentioned that there are also pet cats that age and transform into yokais. Then they start to kidnap people and eat them.
During the Edo period and afterwards, it is generally thought that domestic cats would transform into Nekomata as they aged. Thus, the aforementioned Nekomata from the mountains were interpreted as cats that escaped and came to live in the mountains.
Precisely for this reason, a popular belief arose in each area of Japan. People began to believe that cats should not be raised for many months and years.
In the “Ansai Zuihitsu” by the ceremonial court Sadatake Ise, we have another citation. It is stated that “a cat of several years will have two tails. Then it will become the Yōkai called Nekomata.”
Nekomata and its bad influences
Cats are often associated with death in Japan, and this particular spirit is often blamed. After all, this Yokai is darker and more malevolent than most Bakeneko.
It is said that the Nekomata has necromancy powers and, by resurrecting the dead, will control them with ritualistic dances. These Yokai are associated with strange fires and other inexplicable occurrences.
The older and more mistreated a cat was before its transformation, the more power the Yokai would have.
To take revenge on those who wronged them, the spirit can haunt humans with visits from their deceased relatives. Generally, these spirits appear as older women. And misbehaving in public and bringing sadness and malevolence wherever they traveled.
From this discernment and strange characteristics, Nekomata have been considered diabolical since time immemorial. Due to fears and popular beliefs such as the resurrected dead at a funeral. Or that seven generations would be cursed as a result of killing a cat, among others.
Because of these things, it is believed that the legend of this Yokai was born.
Nekomata is an evil spirit
Do not be fooled by other popular descriptions. You can observe the fashion with feline aspects from a good perspective. But do not think that the Yoikai Nekomata is a kind folklore figure.
The Nyanko fashion is very much based on the figure of Maneki Neko. In addition to other certain aspects of Japanese culture. But anyway, this is not the point here. The important thing is not to consider Nekomata as a cute and kind figure.
Anyway, there may have been some doubts. If you have any questions, suggestions, or something like that, just leave your comment. Also, I ask you to share the website page on social media, it helps a lot. Other than that, thank you for reading the article up to here, see you next time.
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