01: Kick a Show x Hanzo
PROFILE
Singer based in Shibuya-Nakameguro-Ebisu. She has been a model for visuals of various brands and currently works at "Sleepless Lion" in Shibuya, where she is developing her talent in various fields. B-Loved, a collective unit with ROVIN (JABBA DA FOOTBALL CLUB), Buddy, Sam is Ohm, and others.
Instagram: @kickashow
The more you love them and make them happy, the more they will share their happiness with you.
Kick a Show, who has been living in the same house since moving to Tokyo eight years ago, met Hanzo one day. He says that he does not go out much on his days off and often spends the whole day with his beloved cat, who is his precious family member.
The name "Hanzo" is very unique and unusual, isn't it? What is the origin of your name?
Kick a Show:I had decided from the beginning to use a Japanese name, and when we played ball together for the first time, I was amazed at how well he got around. When I saw him quickly climbing up the curtain, I thought, 'He looks like a ninja...,' so I borrowed the name from Hattori Hanzo, who is said to have been a real-life ninja.
How did you meet Hanzo?
Kick a Show:There was a time when I had always wanted to have a cat, and I was thinking of sheltering a stray cat in my neighborhood that I befriended while taking a walk. One day, an acquaintance introduced me to a breeder, and I was allowed to visit his office. While dozens of cats were running around energetically, Hanzo stood motionless in the corner of his cage, staring at me with round eyes.
What are the moments when you are glad to have Hanzo in your life?
Kick a Show:When I come home, the moment when he comes to greet me at the door and talks to me incessantly about something makes me happy. I naturally smile when I see Hanzo's actions and facial expressions. He is definitely a presence that heals my days, and the level of happiness in a day has increased dramatically compared to before.
What kind of cat do you think Hanzo is?
Kick a Show:I feel like I'm more like a well behaved 3 year old child. I don't have children, so I can't say for sure (laughs). He follows me around the house whether I go to the bathroom or take a bath, and when he wants me to play with him, he brings me a ball. He is a pampered boy and easily gets along with my friends, but he is a good boy who does not misbehave.
You are a cat, but you have the personality of a dog (laughs). What are some of Hanzo's favorite items?
Kick a Show:His favorite toy is a moving fish robot containing matatabi, which he received from a fan. However, when I give him matatabi, he gets all melty and delirious, so for my own selfish reason, I only show him the robot when he tries his best to stay at home (laughs).
Top left: After buying a variety of toys for Hanzo, the catnip, which ended up being the least expensive, is his favorite. Top right: A mug produced in collaboration with Coffee Supreme, a New Zealand coffee roaster company, and Kick a Show, for Hanzo's drinking water. Bottom left: A cushion for Hanzo, which is no longer in use since he is now often in the cat tower. The latest device that automatically dispenses food is used. Bottom right/Hanzo's new appearance at Kick a Show's house.
I think there are many problems with keeping cats (animals) in the real world, such as abandoned cats and so on. What are your thoughts on this?
Kick a Show:Cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, and fish are all animals that can easily coexist with humans as pets, but they are often abandoned outside due to human ego. Cats are abandoned in urban areas to the extent that there is a genre of cats called nora. We want people to stop making such pitiful feelings about them, including stray cats with cherry ears*. That's all I can say. It is unworthy, but I realized that reality after I welcomed Hanzo into my home. The current situation of stray cats is much more serious, so I would like everyone to do more research. Whatever you think about it, your action alone will make me happy.
It is important to think beyond just being cute, isn't it?
Kick a Show:Owning a pet means welcoming a family member into your home. They live with a heart smaller than a human's, and I try to make them as happy as possible. There is not much I can do, but as I continue my musical activities, I make goods called Hanzo key chains and save the proceeds from the sales. When I have enough money, I plan to donate it to an organization that works to protect cats. Hanzo taught me that as much as we make cats, dogs, and other animals happy, we also receive happiness from them. Whether you are thinking of getting a pet or already have one, please take good care of them from the bottom of your heart.
*Stray cats with cherry blossom ears: commonly known as Sakura cats. A stray cat that has been captured and neutered, with the tips of its ears cut in a V-shape like cherry petals. This is mainly done by cat lovers who are involved in community cat activities aimed at eliminating the killing of cats.
