Join us for a special screening of The Cats of Gokogu Shrine, a captivating documentary by Master Soda that explores the unique world of Gokogu, a small, ancient Shinto shrine in Ushimado, Japan, also known as the Cat Shrine. Home to dozens of freely roaming street cats, the shrine attracts a wide range of visitors: worshippers, gardeners, volunteers who help maintain the grounds, people passing by to fish Japanese sardinella, and children who play after school. Cat lovers come to feed the cats, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting.

Yet beneath the serene surface, the shrine is at the center of a sensitive issue dividing the local community, with some residents expressing concerns about the cats’ impact on the neighborhood. Master Soda’s lens captures this complex reality, portraying the intertwined lives of people, cats, and the natural and spiritual world of Gokogu. 

Following the screening, there will be a live virtual Q&A with the director, who will discuss the making of the film, the cultural significance of Gokogu, and the stories behind its residents—both human and feline.

Trailer