Happy Photos of Grandma and Her Lucky Cat by Miyoko Ihara

Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara

It has been a tough week here with the passing of our beloved cat, Bailey. Thank you to all who have shared their memories and thoughts with us. Now it’s my turn to share something I found that fills me with hope and happiness. Miyoko Ihara is a Japanese photographer who has been chronicling the loving relationship between her grandmother, Mrs. Missao, and her cat, Fukumaru.

Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara

I first became aware of Ihara’s photos on the great website, We Make Money Not Art. After viewing the images in black and white, it was a wonderful surprise to find that Fukumaru is a lucky cat, not just because of his great relationship with Mrs. Missao, but also because he has different colored eyes (or what we like to call “David Bowie eyes”).

Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara

The photos have been shown in an exhibition, and I believe there is also a book (if someone can help with translation and provide a link, please leave it in the comments). Here is Ihara’s statement about the series:

“We’ll never be apart!” says the grandma to her little cat. Both of them live in a tiny world, with dignity, with mutual love. Still today, under the blue sky, Missao and Fukumaro work in the fields and in these natural surroundings, where they shine like the stars.

This little glimpse into their “tiny world” is a total joy. You can see their love for each other and how Grandma, still working the fields at 85+, has a wonderful sense of humor.

Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara

Click through for a handful of my favorite photos.

Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru © Miyoko Ihara
Mrs. Missao and Fukumaru