01 What's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi)

01 What's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi)

Author: JapanKyo.com January 23, 2020 Duration: 43:53

Today's Question

On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with catgirls?

Topics Discussed

  • The history and origins of the trope of the catgirl
  • What nekomimi (猫耳) means
  • The existence of "catboys" (male nekomimi characters)
  • Yōkai reminiscent of catgirls such as bakeneko nd nekomata
  • The depiction of bakeneko women in Edo era ukiyo-e woodblock prints
  • The supposed connection between catgirls and Osamu Tezuka's amanga Ribon no Kishi (Princess Knight)
  • The 1978 manga Wata no Kunihoshi (The Star of Cotton land) by Yumiko Oshimaand its role in popularizing the trope of the catgirl in manga and anime
  • The character of Felicia from the Darkstalkers franchise
  • A list of some of the most popular catgirls in Japan in recent years
  • Whether catgirls have night vision
  • Whether catgirls use litter boxes
  • Whether catgirls have four ears or two ears
  • Whether cats with human ears are as cute as girls with cat ears
  • The Japanese title of Josie and the Pussycats
  • And more!

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

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Full Show Notes

 


Curious about why some Japanese words sound so specific or what really lies behind a historical anecdote you heard? Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com digs into exactly those kinds of inquiries. Hosts Tony and Ryan, both holding master's degrees in Japanese Language & Linguistics, use listener questions as a starting point for deep, conversational explorations. Their approach is grounded in personal experience living in Japan and thorough research using Japanese and English sources, which allows them to move beyond surface-level explanations. Within this podcast, you'll hear discussions that weave together language quirks, societal norms, and lesser-known historical threads, all while gently correcting common misunderstandings about the country. It feels less like a formal lecture and more like joining two knowledgeable friends who are eager to share what they've learned. Whether the topic is a subtle cultural practice, the etymology of a phrase, or an event from Japan's past, each episode builds a richer, more nuanced picture. The result is a consistently engaging listen for anyone wanting to move past stereotypes and develop a deeper, more informed appreciation for Japan and its language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com
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