She and her Cat

A tender and mesmerizing story about the wonder of life and the kindness of others, narrated with rare humour and wisdom. On the outskirts of Tokyo, in a neighbourhood overlooked by an elevated commuter railway, local cats weave their way through the lives and homes of their owners as they navigate difficult times. A cat named Chobi sends silent messages of courage to a young woman who cannot bring herself to end a faltering relationship; a gifted artist fatally misunderstands her boss's enthusiasm for her paintings, just as her neglected cat Mimi gives birth; a manga fan shuts herself away after the traumatic death of her friend, while her cat Cookie hatches a plan to persuade her outside; the committed stray Kuro watches over a lonely woman who has dedicated her life to a cold husband and his parents. Against the urban backdrop of humming trains and traffic, SHE AND HER CAT explores the gentle magic of the everyday. Populated by both the friendly and the feral, it shows - with heartstopping simplicity and warmth - how even in our darkest moments, community and connection may lead us to a happier place. MAKOTO SHINKAI is the hugely popular anime filmmaker of YOUR NAME. His debut novel SHE AND HER CAT was a no. 1 bestseller in Japan. It is inspired by his highly praised five-minute anime and will be published in fourteen territories around the world. GINNY TAKEMORI is the award-winning translator of CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN and other highly acclaimed Japanese fiction. She lives in rural Japan.