The Cats of Gokōgū Shrine: Sōda Kazuhiro’s Exploration of a Community of Locals and Strays

(© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

Ushimado’s port and the Seto Inland Sea beyond. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

A cat lounges within the confines of the Gokōgū Shrine. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

Local children play with one of the town’s tamer street cats. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

Strays trapped as part of the town’s TNR program stare out of cages. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

The cats are popular with the children of Ushimado, but many adults say there are too many of the animals. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

Sōda Kazuhiro. (© Hanai Tomoko)

Ushimado residents meet at an old house that now serves as a community center. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

A sign serves as a convenient covering from the rain. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

A cat enjoys a moment of post-feeding bliss. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

Recreational anglers are irresistible to the town’s strays. (© 2024 Laboratory X, Inc)

(© Hanai Tomoko)