Agência of Casa Imperial of Japão released this Monday (1st) three photographs of the new cat adopted by the imperial family. The images mark the 24th birthday of Princess Aiko, only daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. The kitten, named Mimi, was welcomed in August this year through a veterinary hospital.
The photos show Mimi, a tricolor female around eight months old, alongside the cat Seven, also rescued. Duas images were taken by the princess Aiko herself and one by the empress Masako.
New member arrives after recent losses
The imperial family decided to adopt Mimi after the death of three pets in a short period. The dog Yuri passed away in June, the cat Mee in August and the cat Ningen in 2016. With only Seven remaining, the emperors considered the house too quiet.
The kitten was found to be approximately four and a half months old. Após family consultation, she received the name 美海 (Mimi), which combines the kanji for “beauty” and “sea”.
History of animals rescued in the palace
Emperors Naruhito and Masako have maintained a tradition of taking in abandoned or rescued animals since 2009.
- In 2009 they adopted the dog Yuri, also rescued
- In 2010, they welcomed the pair of cats Ningen and Mee on the grounds of Akasaka Imperial Residence
- In 2016, Seven arrived through a veterinary clinic
All pets were treated like family members.
Mimi had already been mentioned by Aiko
During an official visit to Laos in November, Princess Aiko spoke to Japanese school students in Vientiane. At the time, he revealed that the family had a new cat with a name that contained the kanji 海 (sea). Esta is the first time images of Mimi have been made public.
Current routine of imperial pets
Cats Seven and Mimi currently reside in the palace, as well as a turtle. Agência of Casa Imperial reported that both cats are very loved by the family.
Seven, now an adult, welcomed the arrival of the cub Mimi. The two appear together in the photos released, demonstrating a peaceful coexistence.
Family photographic record
The three images were made by members of the imperial family themselves. Princess Aiko photographed Mimi alone and also alongside Seven. Empress Masako recorded a close-up of Seven observing her new companion.
The release coincides with the tradition of publishing photos on Aiko’s birthday, celebrated on December 1st. Last year, the images showed the princess with her dog Yuri and her cat Mee, now elderly.
The choice of rescued animals reflects the imperial family’s commitment to animal welfare. Desde 2009, all dogs and cats adopted came from abandonment situations or were mediated by veterinary clinics.
