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In the peaceful land of Hirakura cho, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan, the nearest one is calledZhongmao ShrineThe shrine has attracted widespread attention in the online world. The special feature of this shrine is that its main deity is actually a cat. And this is not an ordinary cat either. This loyal cat was said to be the fearless warrior guarding this small town over a hundred years ago, sneaking around the village day and night to drive away rodent infestations for the people and safeguard the food security of the entire village.
However, as the shrine faced the problem of insufficient funding for repairs, this touching story returned to the public eye through an article by a folklorist.
Hirakacho, Yokote City, Akita PrefectureIn that Meiji era village, there was a rat infestation in Asami Park and the surrounding areas, which made it difficult for Yonaga to survive. At this moment, a female cat raised by the landlord Ise stepped forward and successfully deterred and drove away the group of mice.
In 1907, after the female cat quietly passed away at the end of the 1940s, a tombstone was built for it in Shallow Dance Park. In 2016, this tombstone was relocated to a nearby abandoned shop and became the “divine body” dedicated to it.
A Japanese folklorist named “Kokotaran” recently published an article on X discussingZhongmao ShrineThe story and its offeringsZhongmao SteleThis immediately sparked heated discussions and attention, with many cat lovers expressing that they had never known about such a unique attraction before!
As described in “Kokotalang” and recorded in the film, this legend from a hundred years ago tells that on that ancient land, farmers suffered from rodent infestations on a daily basis, and their harvests were unsustainable. All the grain and rice in the warehouse became rat food, and the people were full of complaints.
It was not until a clever white female cat appeared between dawn and dusk, dispelling the mouse threat, that the villagers’ lives were improved. Therefore, when it passed away, the villagers carefully erected a monument for it and revered it as the “loyal and righteous cat”.
The villagers remember and thank the kindness of the white cat, and after its death, they erected a monument to worship it.
This “Loyal Cat Stele” was originally erected in a place called Shallow Dance Park. In 2016, it was relocated to an old shop and transformed into a museum showcasing the heroic deeds of the White Cat in the past.
This building, though not stunning in appearance, contains an extraordinary story… (2022 Google Street View)
Upon closer inspection, you will notice a sign hanging on the wall that reads’ Loyalty and Righteousness Cat Archive ‘.
With the spread of word-of-mouth, this building has gradually become a unique tourist attraction in the local area, evolving into a “loyal cat shrine” featuring cat statues. It is managed by volunteer organizations and the nearby Asami Hachiman Shrine, and also holds traditional festivals and sells amulets.
However, due to its original status as an ordinary shop, it lacks the strength for shrine use. With donations from various parties, the renovation of the shrine was completed in June this year, finally presenting a more solemn and dignified shrine style.
After renovationZhongmao Shrine
Rich souvenirs in the “Zhongmao Shrine”
So, friends who love cats, next time you visit Akita, why not visit this unique shrine and personally experience the legend of loyal cats!