Recently, the Japan Society hosted a press preview for its newest exhibit, Life of Cats. The informative exhibit celebrates the importance of cats in Japanese culture that can be traced back to their arrival in Japan during the Asuka and Nara periods (538-794). It features a number of prints, paintings, and ceramics that showcase cats under the following themes: Cats and People, Cats as People, Cats versus People, Cats Transformed, and Cats and Play.  These themes demonstrate the profound symbolic roles that cats played in Japanese culture: protectors, friends, thieves, troublemakers, monsters, and so much more. All of the artistic pieces are remarkable, though my favorites include a painting called Asakusa Ricefields and Torinomachi Festival and a ceramic series of the Sleeping Cat.  Some images from the exhibit are feature down below. Life of Cats just opened today, March 13 at the Japan Society, and it will be be on display until June 7.  Definitely check out this entertaining, delightful exhibit!