Bakeneko and Nekomata: The Mythical Cats of Japanese Folklore

Cats have long captured the human imagination. In Japanese folklore, they’re not just beloved pets—they’re supernatural beings with mysterious powers. Among these mythical felines, Bakeneko and Nekomata stand out as two of the most iconic and fearsome yokai (supernatural creatures). These shape-shifting cats prowl through centuries-old legends, blending beauty, danger, and mysticism.

Understanding Yokai: Japan’s Supernatural World

To fully appreciate Bakeneko and Nekomata, you need to understand yokai. These entities dominate Japanese mythology, ranging from spirits and ghosts to monsters and strange apparitions. Mischief, protection, or malevolence define their behavior. Because of their mysterious nature, cats naturally became perfect candidates for yokai stories.

Bakeneko: The Shape-Shifting Monster Cat

What is a Bakeneko?

The term “Bakeneko” (化け猫) translates to “changed cat” or “monster cat.” These yokai emerge from domestic cats that age, become well-fed, or gain unusual respect or suspicion. As they grow older, they transform and take on supernatural abilities.

Traits and Powers

Bakeneko walk on two legs, speak human language, and sometimes disguise themselves as people. Many stories feature Bakeneko stealing the identity of their owners, starting fires, or dancing with towels on their heads. These strange behaviors reflect the eerie boundary between ordinary life and the supernatural.

Notably, Bakeneko can summon ghostly flames, curse entire households, or seek revenge on those who mistreat them. These tales warn people to treat cats with kindness and care.

Nekomata: The Fork-Tailed Cat Demon

What Sets the Nekomata Apart?

While Bakeneko and Nekomata share some traits, Nekomata (猫又 or 猫股) appear even more ominous. Their defining characteristic is a forked tail, a symbol of transformation. Typically, a cat becomes a Nekomata after living a long life.

Origins in the Mountains

Some stories claim Nekomata do not originate from house cats but from wild mountain cats. These yama nekomata (mountain Nekomata) haunt forests and prey on unsuspecting travelers. They represent nature’s untamed and mysterious side.

Supernatural Abilities

Nekomata also walk upright, speak human language, and change shape. However, their most feared power is necromancy. They can raise the dead and command them, making them terrifying figures in yokai lore.

How Cats Became Supernatural in Japan

Cultural Views on Cats

In ancient Japan, people both revered and feared cats. While cats protected rice stores by hunting mice, their glowing eyes and nocturnal habits made them seem otherworldly. This duality positioned them perfectly for legendary tales.

Longevity and Transformation

Japanese folklore often links transformation to age. People believed that cats living 13 years or longer could gain spiritual power. A cat with a long tail that eventually splits might evolve into a Nekomata.

Famous Legends and Stories

The Dancing Bakeneko of Nabeshima

One famous legend, the Nabeshima Bakeneko Disturbance, comes from Saga Prefecture. According to the story, a lord mistreated a maid’s cat. After the maid’s mysterious death, the cat turned into a Bakeneko. It avenged its owner by haunting the household until someone performed an exorcism.

Nekomata in Art and Literature

Edo-period artist Toriyama Sekien featured Bakeneko and Nekomata in his yokai encyclopedias. These creatures often appear standing upright with sinister grins. Writers and playwrights used them as symbols of vengeance, spiritual awakening, and female empowerment.

Modern Depictions in Pop Culture

Today, Bakeneko and Nekomata still inspire artists, writers, and game developers. You can find them in:

• Anime and Manga: Series like Natsume’s Book of Friends and GeGeGe no Kitaro feature Nekomata in various roles.
• Video Games: Games such as Nioh, Yo-kai Watch, and Persona include these cat yokai with unique abilities.
• Literature and Film: Modern horror and fantasy often reimagine Bakeneko and Nekomata in contemporary settings.

These stories highlight themes of identity, transformation, and mystery.

Symbolism and Cultural Meaning

Beyond their supernatural powers, Bakeneko and Nekomata represent cultural values:

• Transformation through experience: Cats gain yokai status through age and observation.
• Retribution and justice: Many tales show them punishing those who acted cruelly.
• Feminine power: Some narratives involve women turning into Bakeneko, symbolizing empowerment or vengeance.

How to Avoid a Bakeneko or Nekomata (According to Folklore)

Folklore suggests a few ways to prevent a cat from becoming a yokai:

• Treat cats kindly: Cruelty often triggers supernatural revenge.
• Trim their tails: People believed short tails prevented transformation. This idea might explain the popularity of the Japanese Bobtail breed.
• Respect older animals: Shinto and Buddhist traditions emphasize reverence for the elderly—both human and animal.

Conclusion: Guardians or Ghosts?

Bakeneko and Nekomata remain more than mythical monsters. They reflect Japan’s rich cultural relationship with cats. Whether seen as protectors or threats, these feline yokai symbolize transformation, mystery, and justice. Perhaps the cat sitting silently beside you knows more than it lets on.

References

1. Foster, Michael Dylan. Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yokai. University of California Press, 2009.
2. Reider, Noriko T. Japanese Demon Lore: Oni from Ancient Times to the Present. Utah State University Press, 2010.
3. Sekien, Toriyama. Gazu Hyakki Yagyō (The Illustrated Night Parade of a Hundred Demons), 1776.
4. Murakami, Kenji. Yōkai Jiten (Yokai Encyclopedia). Mainichi Shinbunsha, 2000.
5. Komatsu, Kazuhiko. “Transforming Spirits: The Story of Bakeneko and Nekomata.” Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 61, No. 1 (2002), pp. 1-29.
6. Meyer, Matthew. The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons: A Field Guide to Japanese Yokai. Self-published, 2012.
7. Yokai.com. “Nekomata” and “Bakeneko.” https://yokai.com