rebeccakool.com

 Many have been asking about the cat in the book FlyCatcher Boy.   Well, here he is in all his glory…that long, lean orange one at the back, providing snuggle space to his buddies.  TAMA (jewel in Japanese) was the name we chose for him.  Takeshi’s obaa-chan’s name was Tama. 

This photo brings back so many memories of our time living in Mexico.  A street cat, we chose him from a local shelter operated by the North American community in our small village, Ajijic.  Tama almost died as a small kitten but rallied to grow into a very long, lean cat.  Where Tama went the other two were sure to follow.  Meals were announced by calling out “TamaMimiChika”, all as one word.  Guaranteed to bring them home. 

Presenting the REAL Fly Catcher Cat…his first public appearance!

Takeshi with his Obaa-chan, Tama Shichi-go-san

 1936. Nagoya, Japan.  Takeshi Fujibe snuggled and swaddled with his Obaa-chan Tama.

A very old photo that still shows the family resemblance between Tak and his Tama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

note:  I cannot for the life of me erase the second line on this photo; of course, it belongs with the next one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shichi-go-san

 

 Shichi-go-san (shichi: 7, go: 5, san: 3 years old).  Daughters are honoured at age 3 and 7;  sons at age 5.  

Ceremony takes place at a Shinto Shrine–boys and girls in traditional kimono.  A coming of age. 

 It’s a family celebration where all gather together to honour the children.

This is Takeshi in his kimono, age 5.