In Japan, besides finding cats at cafe, they are everywhere from small shops to various stores. Cats symbolize good fortune in the Japanese culture. Stores often place a Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat) statue or ornament at the front door as a way to bring in more customers. Many cats get to run the store or restaurant alongside their humans.
Photographer nekojimakeibu from Flicker travels to Tokyo, Kumamoto and a few other cities, and along the way, he meets a lot of friendly kitties at various mom and pop shops, grocery stores and restaurants.
Cat cafe in Kumamoto
Grocery shop in Kumamoto
Napping in the display window with stuffed animals in Tokyo
Joining the customers at a restaurant in Tokyo
Book store in Kumamoto
Barbershop in Kumamoto
Japanese style bar in Tokyo
Sushi Cat in Kumamoto
Sweet Potato shop in Tokyo
Grocery shop in Okinawa:
Futon shop in Tokyo
Toy shop in Tokyo
Liquor store in Tokyo
Drinking customers' water in Kumamoto
Stationary store in Tokyo
Cat cafe in Tokyo
Wine and tea shop in Tokyo
Traditional sweet shop in Tokyo
Hanging out with a craftsman at his work studio in Tokyo
Photos by nekojimakeibu.