Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will focus on many people’s favorite pet—the cat! Cats are a staple of many manga series. They are generally lovable, unless they start demanding food and cuddles right as a new issue of Shonen Jump goes up!

NEKO (ねこ)

NEKO means “cat.” Shonen Jump is filled with memorable kitties. One of my favorites is Yoruichi from Bleach! She was an intimidating black cat for the longest time until she suddenly turned into a kick-butt fighter and gave Ichigo the shock of a lifetime. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her in cat form. I wonder if that form will ever return...? If Yhwach is allergic to cats, she could be the key to saving the world!

TSUME (つめ)

TSUME means “nail,” as in fingernails or cat claws! Be careful when you trim your cat’s claws—some cats will mess your face up! This can happen to the best of us, even Naruto! It seems that some cats are so hard to handle that they need a ninja on the job! Catching a lost cat was actually Naruto’s first official mission as a ninja. Who knew that was the first step to becoming the greatest Hokage of all time?!

NEKO KISSATEN (ねこきっさてん)

A NEKO KISSATEN or KISSA is a “cat café.” What is a cat café, you ask? It’s a wonderful place where you can enjoy a beverage while being surrounded by cats! It’s pretty much the worst nightmare for someone allergic to cats. But if you’re a cat lover, this might be your place to relax! Cat cafés are popular in Japan, and they’ve started popping up all over America too. I want to go to one and see how many cats I can balance on my head!

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