A small life I met on the roadside

We first met seven years ago when a staff member on a business trip to Shizuoka came across a tiny, huddled kitten on the side of the road. "It's dangerous to leave it like that," he thought, and so he rescued the kitten, who is now Tsumugi.
He arrived in a paper bag, his tiny body so thin that his bones were visible. At the time, I never imagined I would end up living with him, so I took him home with the intention of finding a foster home for him.
But after a few hours, he would climb onto my back and use the toilet skillfully on the pet sheet - his actions were as if he wanted to live in this house, and I was completely captivated. I decided to live with him without any hesitation.
Now I think of my life with Tsumugi as an irreplaceable treasure, a gift from God.

A cat with rusty patterns, eyes, and the ability to "talk"

Tsumugi's most attractive feature is her unique rust pattern. Her entire body is covered in mottled red fur, and her neck looks like she's wearing a scarf. There's also a small amount of white fur mixed in with her belly, which is another adorable feature.
And her pale blue-green eyes - the color of which changes depending on the light - are so beautiful that you can't help but stare at them.
What's even more surprising is that we can communicate in the same language. We have regular conversations every day and they understand what is and isn't allowed, so living together is very smooth.

Friends, family, partners

They are like friends and family, spending every day together. It's a relationship that can't exist without each other.
In the mornings, he sleeps in bed with me until I wake up, and when I'm in the kitchen he begs for snacks. On the weekends he's always by my side, and conversations naturally flow between us.
Every moment is precious, but the most comforting moment is when I come home. My dog comes to greet me with a happy face, and in that moment all my fatigue melts away.

Creating a comfortable space with no decorations

A few years ago, I decided to buy a vintage Mogensen cabinet.
Above it, you can list your favorite things at the time and decorate the walls however you like. The best thing about this space is that you can easily change the decorations to suit your mood.
Rather than arranging things neatly and orderly, it's a place where you can just place whatever you like, and the natural atmosphere is very comfortable.
The sight of Tsumugi occasionally perched on the tree and gazing off into the distance has become an important part of the scenery here.

Favorite things that add color to your life

Astier de Villatte Cat Incense Burner

I've been longing for an Astier de Villatte incense burner for years. The Setsuko series, in particular, has an indescribably charming cat expression and posture. The sight of smoke rising softly from the wide-open mouth is humorous, and just looking at it relaxes the mind. It's a presence that brings a moment of relaxation to your daily life.

Cat painting by an artist

The works of the artists I've met and worked with are very special to me. Artist Ichiro Yamaguchi has painted two pictures of Tsumugi. He repainted the first one he painted, asking me to draw it again, and both capture Tsumugi's unique charm, so I treasure them both. I also love Mariko Sakami's plump cat paintings. There's a sense of transience beneath their uniqueness, and I feel like they're somehow similar to Tsumugi.

Vase by Yuko Suga

I had been hoping to come across a piece by Suga Yuko in the future. After much deliberation among the many vases at the exhibition, I chose this one, drawn by its soft beige color and round shape. It doesn't stand out too much, yet it has a definite presence. The size is just right, so I don't have to worry about Tsumugi accidentally dropping it.

Tableware by Asuka Toba

White, gray, bluish gray—the colors of the glazes created by Toba Asuka all have a quiet, deep beauty. The slightly distorted shapes are also part of their charm. The pots need to be sealed before use, but this extra step is part of the enjoyment of the process of the pot becoming a part of your life. Even when not in use, they are picturesque just sitting on a shelf.

I want to continue to cherish this distance

I feel like I've finally found a way to spend my time that suits me.
Cooking every meal, not leaving dishes out, and cleaning up immediately -- these small, everyday actions make our lives more comfortable.
I've always loved being at home, but since I started living with Tsumugi, that time has become even more precious and cherished.
It may sound exaggerated, but for Tsumugi, this house and this life are everything. I want to continue to maintain a comfortable distance between us and spend my days together.
I want to keep only the things I like in my space, and at the same time, I've decided that I want to choose only things that Tsumugi will find comforting.
A space that is not too tidy, with just the right amount of clutter creating a sense of warmth - the two of us will continue to cherish weaving together this peaceful and secure life.