In Japan, it’s common to see clear plastic water bottles lined up outside homes and gardens. These bottles aren’t trash but part of an old practice called “nekoyoke,” which means “deterring cats.”
While Japan cherishes cats, stray cats can sometimes cause problems like damaging gardens or scaring people. Homeowners use water bottles as a harmless way to keep cats away.
The reason behind this is thought to be the light shining through the water, creating reflections or flashes that cats avoid. Some say cats see weird images of themselves in the bottles, making them nervous.
Though there’s no strong scientific proof, the tradition remains popular because it’s easy, harmless, and reflects Japan’s peaceful and respectful approach to living with animals.
@japan Anyone walking around streets in Japan will very quickly notice many plastic bottles filled with water have been placed up against houses and walls, between flower pots, lining fences and walls, tucked into corners and so on. This behaviour was imported from the West and is believed to repel street animals. Known as “nekoyoke” (meaning “cat repellant”) they are one of the distinctive features of the Japanese urban landscape. The trend exploded overseas as far back as the 1980s in Europe and America where it was primarily directed at dogs and bottles are often scattered on lawns, but as street dogs don’t really exist in Japan, here it’s focussed on keeping cats at bay. The idea is that light from the sun (or from streetlamps at night) shines through the water in the bottle and “flashes” the cat, thereby frightening it and causing it to run away. Of course, even if this were true it would be useless on cloudy days or in any shaded position. However as with most superstitions, people conveniently overlook such small details and carry on regardless. “The reason why the water bottles work is because the cats don’t like looking at their distorted reflection” 🎥 by izzanammi (dm us please for credits or removal) #japan #japantips #japaneseculture #japantrip
When you spot these bottles around a Japanese neighborhood, you’re witnessing a clever cultural habit that balances care for people and animals alike.
