If Cats Disappeared From The World

Our narrator is a humble and solitary postal worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives devastating news: he has only months to live. Estranged from his family and living alone with his cat, Cabbage, he is abruptly confronted with the brevity of his existence. As he grapples with his diagnosis, an unusual encounter occurs. The Devil visits him with a peculiar proposition: for every item he agrees to erase from the world, he will be granted one extra day of life. Thus begins a surreal and contemplative week, marked by extraordinary decisions and profound reflections.

Throughout this strange week, our protagonist faces a series of moral and emotional dilemmas, as he weighs the importance of various aspects of life against the fleeting extension of his own time. Each decision forces him to confront what he can truly do without and what holds irreplaceable value. As he bargains with the Devil, the narrator undertakes a profound journey, exploring themes of love, loss, and the essence of human existence, all while cherishing the companionship of his beloved cat, Cabbage.

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura is more than a tale of a man’s desperate attempt to grasp at more days; it is a poignant exploration into the human spirit and the connections that define our lives. Kawamura deftly balances whimsy with depth, creating a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking.

Translated from the Japanese by Eric Selland, who also brought us The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide, this beautifully rendered story will resonate with fans of both heartfelt and philosophical literature. Selland’s translation preserves the delicate nuances and emotive power of Kawamura’s original prose, ensuring that the essence of the story is felt by readers across the globe.

If Cats Disappeared from the World invites readers to reflect on what truly matters in life. Through the eyes of a man at the end of his days, Kawamura presents a touching and unforgettable narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Fans of The Guest Cat and those seeking a deeply moving story will find solace and inspiration in this tender and inventive novel.