Before Hello Kitty rocketed to fame in the United States and around the world, she was a shoo-in for stardom in a country famous for its feline love affair: Japan. From cat cafes to “cat islands”, all of Japan’s furry friends take the spotlight in Catland. Picturesque city streets, shop windows, temples and more are the stage for cats across the country. But Sarah Archer will also take readers behind the scenes of this phenomenon.

With charming storytelling, Catland explores both the past and present of Japan’s affinity for cats. Archer transports readers to modern workshops where the Japanese carefully craft traditionally woven cat beds, “beckoning cat” statues and cat clothing. With adorable illustrations and photographs, this book is just as irresistibly cute as its subjects—the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life.