Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan, Zack Davisson‘s “scholarly but refreshingly genuine” (The Japan Times) exploration of Japanese folklore, spirituality and art is out today.

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: The Supernatural Cats of Japan is out in the US now and will be published in the UK in December 2026.

Pre-order your UK copy here or, better, via Bookshop.org. Grab your US copy here.

Follow Zack Davisson on Bluesky @zackdavisson.com.