Introduction to Nekomata
Nekomata are a type of yōkai, or supernatural creature, found in Japanese folklore. They are described as ordinary cats that transform into yōkai as they grow older and gain supernatural abilities. The word “nekomata” combines the Japanese words for “cat” (neko) and “fork” (mata), referring to the forked tail that nekomata are said to develop upon their transformation.
The origins of the nekomata myth date back hundreds of years in Japan. They were first described in the Edo period essay “Kasshi Yawa” by Negishi Shizumori, as well as the early 19th century “Bakemono Zukushi” picture scroll. In these early descriptions, nekomata were believed to be domestic cats that turned into yōkai after living for a long time or turning a certain age. Their long life granted them supernatural powers, including the ability to speak, walk on two legs, and manipulate fire.
Over time, nekomata have become prominent figures in Japanese folklore, appearing in legends, folktales, and artistic creations. They are sometimes portrayed as mischievous tricksters, using their powers to play pranks on humans. Other times they are depicted as dangerous and evil yōkai that prey on human victims. Regardless of interpretation, nekomata remain iconic feline yōkai in the pantheon of Japanese supernatural creatures.
Physical Attributes
The most defining physical characteristic of a nekomata is the forked or split tail.[1] Whereas normal cats have a single tail, nekomata develop a second tail as they get older and more powerful. The tail initially starts splitting at the tip and gradually forks down the length as the nekomata ages.[2]
Nekomata are known to grow very large in size, much bigger than a regular housecat. Accounts depict them as being the size of a medium to large dog. Their bodies also become more hardened and fierce-looking as they mature.[1] This size and appearance allows them to be more intimidating and deadly.
The transformation from a normal cat into a nekomata is linked to aging. As cats grow older, they gain magical abilities and become more cunning. Once they reach a very advanced age, their powers reach a peak and they sprout a second tail, completing the transformation into a nekomata.[2]
Origins and Folklore
The mythology of the nekomata arose from ancient Japanese beliefs about cats. Cats have long been regarded with awe and suspicion in Japan. In folklore, it was believed that cats could live for a very long time and transform into magical creatures as they aged.
One common legend stated that when a cat reached ten years of age, its tail would split into two tails, and it would gain supernatural powers. This fork-tailed cat was known as the nekomata. The word “nekomata” literally means “forked cat” in Japanese.
According to myths, nekomata were born when a cat reached advanced age and grew darker powers. The older and wiser the cat grew, the more powerful and potentially malevolent the nekomata became. However, some tales described nekomata as benevolent creatures that would watch over and protect their owners.
Ancient Japanese folklore characterized the nekomata as an eerie yokai that walked on two legs and could talk, shape-shift, and manipulate the dead like puppet masters. Their forked tails were said to emit ghostly fire and could control corpses as if they were puppets on strings.
References to nekomata first appeared in Toriyama Sekien’s Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, an 18th-century encyclopedia of yokai. Over time, the nekomata evolved from creepy folklore creatures to manga icons and anime characters.
Behavior
Nekomata are highly intelligent and possess the ability to talk and communicate with humans. Their advanced cognitive abilities distinguish them from normal domestic cats.Nekomata – Yokai.com They are characterized by their vengeful nature and ability to hold grudges against those who have wronged them.
While normal cats can become angry or upset, nekomata take vengeance to another level entirely. If mistreated by their owners, nekomata will wait patiently to get revenge, biding their time for the perfect opportunity. They are capable of intricate planning and manipulation to enact their retribution.
Nekomata view humans with disdain and contempt. They see themselves as superior to people due to their heightened intelligence and magical abilities. Interactions with humans are often driven by nekomata’s vengeful motivations and sense of superiority.
Powers and Abilities
Nekomata possess a range of supernatural powers that allow them to curse, control, and even resurrect humans and other creatures. Their most notable abilities include:
Shape-shifting – Nekomata can transform into ordinary house cats or humans to disguise their true nature (https://yokai.com/nekomata/). This allows them to trick unsuspecting victims before revealing their malevolent forms.
Necromancy and resurrection – Perhaps their most feared power, nekomata can raise and control the dead like puppets. Using these zombie-like minions, they can attack enemies or blackmail humans into servitude (https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Nekomata).
Pyrokinesis – Many nekomata exhibit the ability to conjure and control fire. They use this to attack or intimidate foes. According to folklore, the tip of a nekomata’s tail splits into two and emits fire when it turns 100 years old.
Cursing – Nekomata can place powerful curses on humans, resulting in disease, misfortune, and even death. Their curses stem from their demonic natures and affinity for evil magic.
With these dark talents, nekomata present a terrifying supernatural threat. Their combined powers of transformation, necromancy, pyromancy, and curses make them dangerous adversaries not to be taken lightly.
Notable Nekomata
Some of the most famous nekomata come from Japanese folklore. The nekomata nezumi is a rat who lived long enough to grow nekomata tails and powers. According to legends, nezumi was a thief who could shapeshift and control fire (Wikipedia).
In anime and manga, popular nekomata characters include Kuro from Blue Exorcist. Kuro appears as an ordinary black cat but is actually a powerful nekomata with two tails (The Japan Box). Another nekomata character is Kilala from the Inuyasha series, who aids the protagonists with her magical abilities.
Nekomata have also appeared in films like The Great Yokai War, where a nekomata character transforms from a normal cat into a formidable yokai. They are often depicted as mischievous creatures in modern Japanese pop culture.
How Normal Cats Transform
According to Japanese folklore, normal domestic cats can transform into nekomata later in life, usually once they reach 10 years of age or older. This transformation is associated with aging and in some legends, cats who live exceptionally long lives. As cats grow older, their personalities may become more irritable, aloof, or temperamental. This change in disposition over time is believed to precede the physical transformation into a nekomata.
The most notable physical change during this transformation is the splitting of the cat’s tail into two tails. The tail forks down the middle, becoming two identical tails, which is the hallmark of the nekomata. Other physical changes include the cat’s fur becoming a lighter color, often pale or white, and their eyes may turn a different color like red or green. The cat may also grow in size and stature. Overall, an aged cat progressively exhibits more supernatural features as it fully transforms into a nekomata.
While this legendary transformation was once believed to occur in cats over 10 years old, it is an outdated superstition. In reality, there is no mystical process that turns an ordinary aging cat into a nekomata. Their changing personality and appearance can be attributed to normal aging. However, the myth persists as an origin story for how nekomata come into being.
Preventing the Transformation
The key to preventing your cat from transforming into a nekomata is keeping it happy, reducing stress, and providing excellent care. Here are some tips:
Make sure your cat is spayed or neutered. Intact cats tend to roam, fight, and experience more stress. Spaying/neutering reduces these behaviors. (source)
Give your cat plenty of playtime and interactive toys to keep them stimulated and entertained. Bored cats are more prone to stress. Provide scratching posts and cat trees for exercising natural scratching instincts.
Feed them a nutritious diet to support good health. Monitor their weight and feed portions appropriate for their activity level.
Brush cats regularly to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs/mats. This is relaxing and beneficial for bonding.
Schedule annual vet exams to catch any health issues early. Address medical concerns promptly. Pain and illness are major stress factors.
Ensure your cat feels safe in their environment. Provide clean litter boxes, places to perch up high, and hiding spots. Hold and pet your cat to reinforce social bonds.
With excellent care and enrichment, your cat can live a long, happy life without transforming into a vengeful nekomata.
Living With a Nekomata
Living with a nekomata requires taking proper safety precautions and treating the cat with respect. Nekomata are powerful supernatural creatures, so caution is advised.
It’s important to establish boundaries and make sure the nekomata understands it is not allowed to harm people or pets in the home. Providing plenty of stimuli through toys, climbing areas, and playtime can help keep the nekomata occupied and less prone to mischief. Consider setting up wards or charms around your home for protection.
Never threaten or harm a nekomata, as this can provoke retaliation. Be kind to the cat and build trust through consistent care and affection. Make sure the nekomata is well-fed; hunger can cause these creatures to act out. Overall, approach living with a nekomata as you would any cat, but with extra precautions given their supernatural abilities.
While challenging at times, coexisting peacefully with a nekomata is possible with prudence and respect. Their wisdom and powers can even benefit the household. With time and care, a nekomata can become a loyal companion.
Significance in Pop Culture
Nekomata have become popular figures in Japanese anime, films, and video games in modern times. One of the most well-known appearances of nekomata in anime is Kirara in the series Inuyasha. Kirara is a two-tailed nekomata companion of the protagonist Sango. She appears as an adorable kitten most of the time but can transform into a ferocious saber-toothed cat creature to aid Sango in battle.
In the anime series Monogatari, the character Tsubasa Hanekawa transforms into a nekomata called Black Hanekawa when under stress. Black Hanekawa has supernatural strength, agility, and other nekomata abilities. This serves as a representation of Hanekawa’s repressed emotions.
Nekomata have also been featured in many Japanese horror films, often as antagonists. In the film Hausu, a nekomata emerges from a pile of flesh-hungry cats to attack the protagonists.
In video games, nekomata are common enemy types or summonable creatures. Games like Shin Megami Tensei, Castlevania, and Final Fantasy have featured nekomata enemies or summons. They generally employ a mix of cat-like and magical attacks.
Overall, nekomata have transitioned from obscure mythological creatures to recurring fixtures of Japanese pop culture. Their distinctive appearance and powers have captured the imaginations of modern audiences.