Memories of the Iriomote cat living in the fantasy forest
Living in the Forest of Illusions - Memories of Irioyamamote Neko
A single shadow runs through the forest at night.
Is it the wind, a dream, or giving up? The Iriomote wildcat.
This rare wild cat, found only on Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture, is a unique and solitary creature found nowhere else in the world.
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A miracle on a small island
The Iriomote wildcat (scientific name Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) is a subspecies endemic to Japan that was discovered in 1965.
Only an estimated 100 individuals have been recorded on Iriomote Island, an island of just 290 km2.
• They are nocturnal and hide quietly deep in the jungle during the day. •
They have a diverse diet and are known as "forest gourmets," eating not only mice but also lizards, frogs, birds, and even shrimp.
Its local dialect name is "Yamapikarya," meaning "something that shines on the mountain," and it has been spoken of as a mysterious being by the islanders.
The intersection of culture and nature
The Iriomote cat is not just an animal.
The discovery began with research by animal writer Yukio Togawa, and after further research at the National Museum of Nature and Science, it became known to the world.
• 1977: Designated as a special national natural monument.
• 1994: Designated as a national rare wild plant and animal species
• Currently: It is classified as "Limited Class IA" on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List - the rarest and most threatened species.
The cat's existence is said to be a conservation and cultural symbol, as it is "proof that primordial nature still lives on."
A presence that resonates with WABISUKE's philosophy
The Iriomote cat is a symbol of "memory of what does not exist."
The design resonates deeply with WABISUKE's philosophy of gift-giving - that "memories live on through hand-over."
• The beauty of solitude
• A hint of life in the silence
• Universality living in the limited space of an island