The relationship between Japan and Russia has been symbolically represented through the exchange of pets, reflecting diplomatic ties and cultural appreciation.
Mir's life and interactions with the Satake family illustrate the deep bond that can form between humans and pets, transcending cultural boundaries.
A Siberian cat named Mir, gifted to Akita Governor Norihisa Satake by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013, has passed away due to illness. The news was reported by Kyodo news agency, and the governor plans to hold a press conference on December 9 to address the cat's death. Mir, who was born on February 12, 2012, was nearing his 13th birthday at the time of his passing.
Mir's journey to Japan began after a meeting between Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in 2012, where the governor presented the Russian leader with an Akita Inu puppy. In return, Putin gifted Mir as a gesture of gratitude for Russia's assistance to Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the region.
Upon arriving in Japan, Mir spent five months in quarantine before joining the Satake family, which already had seven cats. The governor affectionately named him Miru-bo, incorporating a Japanese diminutive. Mir quickly adapted to his new home and was described as a 'magnificent' cat who had a friendly disposition and was not afraid during his interactions with the governor.
Experts have noted the Siberian cat breed's resilience and health, with some suggesting that Mir's death could be attributed to dietary issues or illness, despite the breed's potential lifespan of up to 30 years. Yulia Malkova, a zoopsychologist, praised the Siberian cat as a 'true Russian treasure' and highlighted its popularity.
