Japan — a world guide
Welcome to Japan, the calmest little city street we know. Somewhere in the happy crowd, Maneki Mew is waving — one paw raised, the way lucky cats do — and she has been waving so long that good fortune just sort of pools around her. Coins, naps, that kind of thing. Life works out on this street.
Your job here is the same gentle job as everywhere in Catchmemeow: one special critter is hiding in the crowd, and you get to find it. No timer breathing down your neck, no way to lose, nothing to sign up for. But this street keeps secrets. A ninja who is mostly rumor. A piece of sushi with opinions. A robot cat from the future who runs on AA batteries and head-pats. Tap around and see who introduces themselves. Politely, of course — this is a very polite street.
What to look for in Japan
Six treasures hide along this street, and most of them blend right into the crowd until you look twice. One only shows herself for a few seconds, so keep a finger ready. (The usual world-wanderers — Cameow Sandiego and her traveling friends — drift through here too.)
- Maneki Mew — the lucky waving cat herself, bobbing out in the open. She's the easy one. Wave back.
- Ninja Catana — blink and she's gone. You get about a breath before it's all swirling leaves and one mysteriously tipped-over vase, so tap fast.
- Sir Sushi Roll — a noble nigiri who has seen your chopstick technique and is choosing to rise above it.
- Robo-Meow 3000 — a clanky future-cat still running the math on why the red dot always escapes. BEEP BOOP.
- Geisha Kitty — graceful in cherry-blossom pink, pouring the daintiest cup of tea. The dango, however, is not for sharing.
- Shiba Bao — a round little shiba with the most knowing smile in Japan. Such polite. Very nap. Wow.
Tips for grown-ups
- Practice the lucky wave before you start — one paw up, like Maneki Mew. Little ones love waving back at the screen.
- Try saying "itadakimasu" (ee-tah-dah-kee-mahss) together — it's what Sir Sushi Roll says, and it makes a lovely little ritual before snack time.
- If Ninja Catana flickers by, she only stays about eight seconds. Make it a giggle, not a panic — "quick, quick, tap!" — and remember missing her costs nothing, because this game doesn't do losing.
- Robo-Meow 3000 is an open invitation for your best robot voice. We recommend accepting it.
One more thing…
Real maneki-neko cats sit in shop windows all over Japan, beckoning in customers and good luck. Here's the twist: in Japan, "come here" is a palm-down gesture — so the lucky cat isn't waving hello at all. She's inviting you in.