I Am a Cat: A new translation of the original Japanese cat classic
Sep 2025 · Random House
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About this ebook
Discover the original Japanese Cat classic, now in a vibrant new translation by Nick Bradley, author of The Cat and the City.
'I am a Cat. But I still don't have a name...'
Once a stray kitten, I Am a Cat’s narrator finds himself adopted by a local scholar and thrown headfirst into the absurd upper middle-class world of Meiji-era Japan. Now a noble but somewhat world-weary observer, he has ample opportunity to dissect the strange ways and convoluted conversations of the human race.
First published at the turn of the 20th century, and regarded as one of Japan’s most iconic classics, I Am a Cat is a captivating exploration of identity, society, and the often bewildering nature of the human condition—all seen through the eyes of a very special, uncompromising cat.
‘A biting satire of Meiji-era Japan' Jessie Burton, Guardian
‘Soseki is the representative modern Japanese novelist, a figure of truly national stature’ Haruki Murakami
'I am a Cat. But I still don't have a name...'
Once a stray kitten, I Am a Cat’s narrator finds himself adopted by a local scholar and thrown headfirst into the absurd upper middle-class world of Meiji-era Japan. Now a noble but somewhat world-weary observer, he has ample opportunity to dissect the strange ways and convoluted conversations of the human race.
First published at the turn of the 20th century, and regarded as one of Japan’s most iconic classics, I Am a Cat is a captivating exploration of identity, society, and the often bewildering nature of the human condition—all seen through the eyes of a very special, uncompromising cat.
‘A biting satire of Meiji-era Japan' Jessie Burton, Guardian
‘Soseki is the representative modern Japanese novelist, a figure of truly national stature’ Haruki Murakami
Discover the original Japanese Cat classic, now in a vibrant new translation by Nick Bradley, author of The Cat and the City.
'I am a Cat. But I still don't have a name...'
Once a stray kitten, I Am a Cat’s narrator finds himself adopted by a local scholar and thrown headfirst into the absurd ...
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Ratings and reviews
2 reviews
Paulina Pradani
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May 23, 2026
This book is never about a cat, but human drama through a cat's POV. You will need enough Japanese culture reference in order to enjoy the humor and irony.
James Thompson
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November 1, 2025
I was enjoying this book until it switched from the great cat content into the boring human drama (no I am not a cat)
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