Edo Cats

Book excerpt: When Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed shogun of Japan in 1603, the fortunes of a sleepy fishing village called Edo were forever changed. Ieyasu transformed Edo — today known as Tokyo — into the bustling capital of his feudal government. By the end of the century, the town’s population had swollen to nearly 1 million — a number that didn’t even include the cats. And by all accounts, Edo was positively crawling with cats. Edo Cats introduces to that era through a series of enchanting ukiyo-e (woodblock print) illustrations — all drawn from a feline perspective. Travel back in time and discover the fascinating faces, places, tales and tails of Old Tokyo.