Zack Davisson
Countryman Press
10 November 2026
160
eBook - PDF
Folklore & Mythology
ARC via Edelweiss
A captivating exploration of Japan’s supernatural cats—mysterious, mischievous, and deeply woven into the country’s folklore, art, and spiritual imagination.
Drawing on centuries of legends, woodblock prints, ghost stories, and theatrical traditions, Zack Davisson’s Kaibyo uncovers the many forms that Japan’s enchanted felines take, from shapeshifting tricksters to loyal guardians and vengeful spirits. Beautifully illustrated and meticulously researched, the book celebrates both the eerie and the endearing sides of Japan’s legendary cats, showing how the mysterious felines became enduring symbols of luck, protection, and uncanny power in Japanese life through vivid storytelling and rich cultural context. Whether you’re a lover of folklore, a fan of Japanese art, or simply enchanted by the strange charisma of cats, Kaibyo offers a spellbinding journey into a world where the line between the natural and supernatural is always shifting.
Kaibyo was an interesting read. Some of the supernatural cat tales were familiar from previous reading and general folklore knowledge, but a few were new to me and fun to read about. The book was nicely laid out with some good design work and I thought there was an excellent balance of text and illustration. I also appreciated the breakdown of the kanji and meanings in the names of the different types of supernatural cat. As someone learning Japanese, this was a delightful bonus. This is a book I could see appealing to those interested in Japanese culture, those with a general interest in folklore, and those who simply love cats in any form. I am giving it 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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