A graphic designer working for a renovation company who loves Nagoya's "Shibu Buildings"

My name is Riri Terashima. I work in press and graphics at Eight Design, a renovation company. Since the company was founded in 2010, I've also been in charge of photographing new homes as they are completed, and I enjoy seeing all kinds of different homes.

In his private life, he has formed a group called the "Nagoya Shibu Building Research Group" with a friend from his university days, and is involved in activities to appreciate the stylish buildings built during the period of high economic growth. His annual publication, "Shibu Building Notebook," has become his life's work, continuing for over 10 years.
▶ Nagoya Shibu Building Research Group

Ofugu: A name and face that makes a big impact

Fugu (commonly known as Ofugu) is a British shorthair born on February 2, 2019. He is a bit timid and does things at his own pace. He hides when customers come, but after a while he will come and relax in his usual place.
The nickname "Ofugu" was given to the fish by another member of the Shibu Building Research Society. It all started when a friend came over on the day the fish first came to their house and called out "Ofugu!"

Meeting someone with no experience living with a cat

I was never used to keeping animals, and I had no experience living with a cat.
The turning point came a few years ago, when she visited her husband's parents' house and her brother-in-law brought home a cat, and they decided to spend some time together. She was completely captivated by the cat's soft, fluffy texture, its discreet presence, and the way it would sneak up to check on her in the middle of the night, so much so that at her first shrine visit of the year, she prayed, "I hope I can live with a cat."
A few months later, I happened to come across Ofugu on a breeder's website. I fell in love with his unique features at first sight, and although the breeder told me that there were even more beautiful dogs out there, I decided on him without any hesitation. The fact that he was from Okazaki City, just like me, was another reason I felt it was fate.

A sophisticated, uncle-like look? A charming and tasteful look

Its coat is neatly divided into upper and lower parts at the mouth, and its round face make it a charming and unique creature that perfectly matches its name, Fugu.
Although he's a girl, he has a certain mature, manly quality to him, which is a cute contrast. I also like his mischievous side, like when he scoops water out of his hands while drinking.

"Friends? Rivals?" A comfortable distance

To the pufferfish, am I a friend? A rival? Or an irritant? It doesn't get too clingy, but keeps a comfortable distance and quietly watches over me.
However, when I come home he rubs against me and headbutts me for affection, and if I oversleep in the morning he'll drop something on the table to wake me up, so he's a bit of a criminal (lol).
They spend the morning together in the dining room and enjoy some time alone in the afternoon. It's interesting to see how their favorite spot changes with the seasons: the bed in winter and the dirt floor in summer.

I want to pet them, but not too much. Cherish their freedom.

It is important to let Ofugu be free to do as he pleases so that he can live a stress-free life. I try to hold back my desire to pet him, but sometimes I find myself chasing him around (laughs).
We also pay attention to health management using IoT devices such as Catlog.

A house where steel and concrete quietly deepen its character

The theme of our home is interiors that change over time. We like homes that are not too shiny and have a sense of texture.
It's been a long time since we renovated our used apartment in 2011, but we still never get bored of living here. The hammock is my favorite spot, and it's located in front of the fugu dining area, so it's become a daily routine for me to come here and watch and take photos of the fugu dining scene.
The cat goods are also carefully selected to blend in with the interior. The cat tower in the living room is a wooden step ladder. I chose it because I thought that if it wasn't used, humans could still use it... but it ended up being a special place for Ofugu.

Favorites that add color to your life

A poster by Aona Hayashi

The monochrome and powerful touch really brings the bedroom together and it's my favorite piece of art.

Showa retro glassware

I collect them little by little at a recycle shop in the basement of an old commercial building called "Tosca." It's a small pleasure to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional coffee shop in the comfort of your own home.

Aluminum forged plates by metalwork artist Shutaro Miwa

I came across this at a node exhibition and immediately purchased it. It's light, unbreakable, and rust-proof. The hammered finish is beautiful, and it's both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

neco.ten flyer

Ofugu was chosen as the cover girl because people liked the yawning photo. I also love his monster-like expression.

──I'm attracted to nameless, anonymous things, whether famous or not.

The richness of "time at home" discovered through living with a cat

I used to love traveling and would go out often, but since I started living with Ofugu, I've found myself wanting to stay at home more.
What was surprising was that Ofugu loved baths. He would watch over my husband while he was bathing, and sometimes even drink the hot water (laughs). Apparently, this time was bliss for him, and he stopped going to public baths or saunas.
Spending everyday time relaxing at home with your cat may be the most comfortable time of your life.

Let's continue to be together, happy and healthy.

I hope that we can all continue to live healthy, relaxed lives. In order for the pufferfish to live a stress-free, healthy life, we humans need to stay healthy as well.
The time I spend at home feeling the presence of fugu is the most important thing to me.

I hope this happiness of living with a cat will continue forever.

Every day we spend with Ofugu is an irreplaceable happiness for my husband and me. That's why we hope that Ofugu will also find life in this house comfortable and happy.