Akiko DuPont is a 30-year-old freelance photographer from Tokyo, Japan. Last year, she made headlines around the world after documenting the heartwarming relationship between her grandfather Jiji and his ginger cat Kinako.
Jiji is 94-years-old and has experienced a lot throughout his life. The senior fought in World War II and had even begun training to be a kamikaze pilot right before the end of the war. After that, he spent 64 long years working in a miserable office, and by 2009, he had fallen ill and had to be hospitalized.
Jiji’s granddaughter Akiko explains, “The once outgoing man became grumpier than ever. It was around this time that I brought Kinako to live with us.”
As soon as Jiji saw Kinako, he fell head-over-heels in love. “His eyes shined full of happiness,” Akiko said. “That was how they met and when I thought that I should document the two.”
“Jiji became stubborn and grumpier after he got sick. But since Kinako, he began to laugh more.”
Jiji loves newspaper scrapbooking, and Kinako often “helps” him with his newest projects.
“Pretty much every day,” Akiko says, “Jiji cuts up the papers, Kinako jumps on the table, then they fight, give up, and keep doing what they want to do.”
“Jiji cuts articles, Kinako sleeps on the newspapers or stays around it. But every now and then, they get together, share their important moments, like they are making sure they are having a good day.”
Akiko takes joy in knowing that Kinako is such a great companion to her beloved grandfather. The friendship allows them each their own independence, and the two live like loving roommates rather than owner and pet.
“Kinako and Jiji take a nap together a lot and they often sleep in a similar pose,” Akiko said. “It’s really funny and heartwarming to look at them.”
“Grandpa taught me so many things but especially about being Japanese,” Akiko told Metro UK. “He greatly influenced me throughout my life, with many things…”
“Because he is one of the most important people to me, seeing him having a happier life again alse made me happy.”
“The border between human and animal melts away, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji’s heart.”
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