The Cat Which Lived One Million Times. 100万回生きたねこ

Yoko Sano, the author who wrote "The Cat Which Lived One Million Times", one of the most beautiful fantasies, passed away on November 5th.

More than twenty years ago I read this picture book  to my son many times and every time, I was moved as much as my son was. Millions of mothers and children have shared the deep emotion through this book.

The story is the life story of one brindled cat which died and was reborn one million times. He became a cat of a King, a sailor, a magician, a lonely old woman, a little girl and more. Every time he died, the owners cried and cried. But he hadn’t cried at all. He did not like his owners. He liked only  himself very much.

At one time he had no owner, so lived for himself. He boasted about having lived one million times, saying “I am really something!” Although a number of cats badly wanted to be his friends, one white cat didn’t show any interest in him. He became to be interested in her. He stopped bragging and asked her “Can I be with  you?” She said “Yes.” They got  to cuddle always and felt it most important to be together. They had many children and became older. He loved her and their children above all. The children grew up and left the nest. One day she didn’t wake up anymore lying beside him. He cried for the first time  and cried one million times. And he slept beside her and never came to life again.

The story is more than a picture book, deep and inspirational, and surely written for all of us regardless of age. Each of us can make each interpretation. He lived one million times, however was he happy? He lived only one life with her, however he was the happiest. “Can I be with you?” ”Yes.”- This short and simple conversation sank into my heart quietly. This story reminded me of  something warmly cherished.  I want to read this book again at long autumn night.

I'd like to offer my deepest condolences.