But the tides are changing. People are stepping up to help the stray animals of Tokyo, including volunteers who have accompanied Ito on his journeys around town. Many of the cats in his photographs are known by name, and they are much loved by the artist. There’s Kuro the black cat, Mayu the jokester, and Q-cyan and her baby, who is named simply “Child of Q-cyan.”
Although these cats have been failed in many ways by mankind, Ito describes them as inherently joyous. “They adapt and live vigorously,” explains the artist of his feline muses, and they remind him of what’s important, of the wonder and delight that dwells just around the corner. Ito writes in somewhat broken English, but his message is clear when he says, “They seem to fill the gap of the heart.”
For more images, follow Ito on Instagram and Tumblr. For more information on the homeless animals of Tokyo, feel free to visit Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) or Japan Cat Network.