Neko Zamurai (2014)

"Meowonderful!"

I was in the mood for something soft and cuddly. Samurai Cat curled up on my lap and brought a warm smile to my face. Kitamura Kazuki has never been more handsome and masculine looking than when holding a white kitty in one hand and a katana in the other.

Madarame Kyutaro was fired as the Kaga family’s sword instructor and now makes ends meet by creating umbrellas. He faithfully holds out hope for finding a samurai job yet can’t even land an interview. His wife and daughter wait dutifully back home for him. One day, members of the Yonezawa family ask him to murder their rival’s cat. The town has been split in two ever since an incident 30 years ago between the cat loving Aikawa clan and the dog loving Yonezawa clan. Down to his last coins, he accepts the job. When she turns her sparkling green eyes on him, Madara is unable to kill the beautiful white cat and takes her home instead. Before long, the situation explodes and the loner ends up not only playing referee, but giving refuge to a maid who cares for the cat and a young samurai bent on vengeance.

Samurai Cat the drama was one of my first Jdramas. I found it to be thoroughly charming. Though not as strong, once Madara gave in and picked up the kitty, it was hard to begrudge the film anything. This character is my favorite of Kitamura’s. I was pleased he still had his own theme song he sang. “Slash ‘em, slash ‘em, slash ‘em! My mother once told me I was born holding a sword. Invincible, never lose a battle. That’s the only road for Madara...”

The story started out slow and was simplistic and a little silly. I suppose having a cat clan vs a dog clan made as much sense as a lot of other reasons samurai hated each other and wanted to fight. An old wives’ tale stated that white cats brought money and people. This sweet kitty and a gruff ronin actually did combine to bring people together and peace to Edo. So, if you are needing a heartwarming film that can put a smile on your face, Neko Zamurai/Samurai Cat would be a good place to start.

“As a ring of a cat’s collar bell
Tells me that I’m not alone
Going on the trackless path
I am Neko Zamurai.”

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18 March 2026

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