The Mysterious Water Bottles Lined Up Along Streets and Fences
If you've ever been to Japan or watched videos of its streets, you may have noticed something unusual in the quiet alleys of residential areas. Along fences, garden corners, next to plant pots, or at the edges of walls, you'll often see transparent plastic water bottles neatly arranged.
At first glance, you might think someone simply forgot to put them away or didn't clean up after a picnic. However, in reality, these bottles are deliberately placed - and the reason behind it is quite surprising. These bottles are not for drinking but are called "nekoyoke" - a tool used to "chase away cats."
Japan is known for its deep love for animals, particularly cats. Cat cafes are widespread, and cats are even given important titles like principals or supervisors. However, stray cats are often not trained or properly cared for, which can pose risks like spreading diseases, damaging property, or even scratching and biting children or the elderly. Therefore, some families find ways to prevent strays from entering their homes. The practice of placing these "nekoyoke" water bottles has spread from this need.
This habit may seem puzzling to outsiders, but in Japanese cities, it is quite familiar. It represents an interesting blend of everyday logic, ancient beliefs, and practicality. While not ha.rmful to animals, people believe these water bottles help prevent stray cats from entering and making the area di.rty.
Although the reasoning behind this method has been questioned many times, the tradition continues to be maintained across generations, blending belief and habit. But the question remains: where did this odd habit start, and does it really work?