When I met a rescued cat, my home became my home.
After my previous black cat passed away from illness, I was feeling a sense of loss and had registered this cat with the city's rescue, when I received a call about adopting a new cat. While her siblings meowed cheerfully from across the cage, this one black cat was quietly hiding in the shadow of her mother. As someone who is quite shy, I felt a sense of sympathy for her unassuming appearance, and decided to adopt her as PEE-chan.
About four years later, when we moved to a new house, an acquaintance asked my husband if he could adopt a rescued kitten. When he saw a photo, he fell in love at first sight. It had a calico pattern that he had always admired, so he named it LINO and added it to his family.
PEE and LINO have completely opposite personalities, but they are both lovable.
PEE is usually quiet and calm, but when she's hungry or wants to play, she communicates her feelings surprisingly clearly. This contrast is irresistibly adorable.
LINO is easygoing, talkative, and cheerful. He's like the sun, brightening up any room with just his presence. He's the complete opposite of his older sister PEE-chan, with a "I'm number one!" attitude. He'll even sneakily steal his sister's favorite places, food, and other things. But even when he does that, you can't help but want to forgive him, making him a lovable presence.
Tight in winter, soft in summer. Just the right distance from your cat.
Our cats change where they spend their time depending on the season. In winter, they snuggle up to us, climb onto our laps, or burrow under the blanket on the sofa, so it feels like they're always by our side. Now, with the heatwaves of summer, they take refuge under the bed in our bedroom during the day, where they cool off quietly in a cool spot. Because of this, they rarely appear in the living room, and sometimes I feel a little lonely when they pop up only at mealtimes.
We want you to live comfortably, so we do everything we can.
I adopted both of them as rescue cats, and because they've spent their lives outside in environments that weren't exactly comfortable, I always want them to feel as comfortable as possible. I choose food that's low in additives and sugar, and I always check their litter box when they're at home. I often clean up immediately after using the toilet, and it's become a habit.
The rhythm and modulation of the space is born from stripping away.
I'm drawn to a minimalist, stripped-down atmosphere rather than a busy space filled with things. When creating such a space, I like to add one or two items from postmodern or overseas artists. I feel that adding accent pieces chosen based on my own style brings rhythm and modulation to the space.
When you hear the word "postmodern," some people may associate it with eccentricity and design, but I feel that its structure, which is based on geometry (straight lines, squares, triangles, etc.), has a strong affinity with modernism.
The studio space, adjacent to the living room and separated by a glass partition, has a deliberately subdued mortar finish. The natural light streaming in through the high sidelights creates shadows, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and sanctity, which gives the furniture placed there a greater sense of depth and presence.
Bring shapes that resonate with your heart into your daily life.
Glass works by Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Sophie Lou Jacobsen is a French-American designer based in New York, and I love her style, which combines functionality with poetic beauty. I was drawn to her unique and beautiful worldview, and before I knew it, I was collecting everything she had. When her pieces arrived from New York, I couldn't help but smile.
Glass objects by Ettore Sottsass
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) is a leading Italian architect and designer. He brought a new perspective to the post-modernist movement and is known as a symbol of postmodern design. This glass object was purchased at YOU ARE WELCOME in Tokyo. The appeal of the glass is that its impression changes depending on the season and time of day, as light passes through it and reflects beautiful prisms.
Lina Bo Bardi chair
Lina Bo Bardi (1914–1992) was an Italian-born architect and designer who was active in Brazil. The Giraffe Chair is a chair that beautifully combines the warmth of craftsmanship with the beauty of architectural composition. With a deep respect for architecture, it is one of my favorite chairs.
Be comforted by the gentleness of the distance.
Since I started living with cats, I've noticed that the perfect distance between them—neither too close nor too far—is surprisingly comfortable for me. Now that both of us are surrounded by their peaceful presence, even stress has eased, and I appreciate that every day.
Get away from digital devices and cherish the time you spend with your cat.
Smartphones are so convenient that we can't help but reach for them. Before we know it, we're immersed in the world on the screen, and before we know it, time has flown by in the blink of an eye, which can make us feel guilty, as if we've wasted time. Spending time in the same position can also put a strain on the body, so I'm consciously trying to "digital detox."
Time is limited, so I spend my time searching for my own answers about how to use it. And cats are an indispensable part of that life.
Closing remarks
If you look over, you'll see a cat standing there quietly. Its presence gently brings a calming atmosphere to your life. The days spent in a carefully selected space with your precious family are endlessly gentle and rich.
