Japan security guard’s bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

A special bond that was formed between a museum security guard and a black cat that died last year continues to move countless people online.

The feline called Ken-chan visited the Onomichi City Museum in Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture for the first time in 2017, during a special exhibition themed on cats.

He tried to enter the museum but was gently stopped by the guard, Sadao Umayahara.

Instead of repelling Ken-chan, Umayahara patiently bent down to block his way. The cat also seemed to enjoy playing with Umayahara.

Museum staff captured their interaction, and photographs of it attracted attention online.

As a fixed-term guard for the museum, Umayahara only worked there four times a year during special exhibitions.

Museum staff noticed that Ken-chan visited the museum mostly when Umayahara was on duty.