I was searching for Dramas with cats and this popped up, AND it was available free on Amazon Prime. Quickly decided I'm IN. The premise is simple and straightforward but where this entire series excels is in the execution, which is beautifully done. Some parts seem like slapstick but others are beautiful, the cinematography of the steps to the mountain shrine is particularly exquisite. The music is short, and reused very often in the 20 minute slice of life episodes. Each episode ends with a 5 line Japanese Poem.

The Hero has the male version of resting bitch face, his in between eyebrow frown has him looking like he is an uber grumpy man. In nearly every scene he goes around looking like he's in a bad mood and about to pick a fight with anyone. The fact that he's jobless, poor and starving probably contribute to it. Donut lady, Cat lady, devoted servant, Master, adversary, investigator and even the mail man all do credible jobs. But the real star of the show is that cat. Not a CGI cat, it is probably one or more cats.

The cat playing Tamanajo needs an animal Oscar, NOW! She (according to the show) is an all white domestic short hair cat with pink toe beans, pink nose leather and the most gorgeous roundish almond shaped gooseberry green eyes. Sort of like the short haired version of the Fancy Feast Chinchilla Persian. Aside from the stellar looks, the cat is pliant and floppy. In many scenes, She's being held by various cast members and doesn't struggle or seem to be tense, she seems to be saying "okay human, you picked me up, that's fine, I'm just gonna chill here in your arms / lap / held in the air". It's very comforting to watch. Reminded me of my poor departed Persian who also was all DGAF about being held like a baby. Damn I miss her.

Even if one were not a cat lover, there was a scene where the cat straight crawled to the Samurai and put her head in his lap. His expression softened as this reviewer's heart just melted into a puddle of "aww, that's so sweet". There is no way, and I mean ZERO way to resist that kitty's charms. I epic failed as much as the characters in the show. I mean, I want her, or a cat with her personality. If only I could read Japanese and ask the Production team whether the kitty from the series has been adopted yet or not, because I would take really good care of that irresistible cat. Gimme!!

This series is short, and will be finished in no time. It looks like I'll have to start with Season 2 since I need more Samurai with that cat.