
We love a good rescue story, especially when it involves cute kitties! Find out who this rescuer is and why the kitten found himself stuck in a ditch after the jump!
The poor little kitten in the photo above was sadly struck by a vehicle and landed in one of the roadside drainage ditches that are commonly found in Japan (commonly referred to as “gaijin traps” for their ability to catch pedestrian foreigners off guard). Unable to move, the injured kitten was trapped in the shallow water of the ditch. Luckily, a young man (whose dream is to become a firefighter) came to the kitten’s rescue, using an umbrella to scoop up the soaked feline and bring it to safety.
子猫救助成功〜♩
— 三重野雄介 (@ni___yan07) June 4, 2014
よかったよかった(*^^*) pic.twitter.com/qZMZ3XS7HU
The photos were warmly received by Japanese internet users, many applauding the young man for his courage and quick-thinking. Reddit users were also treated to this heartwarming tale just one day ago. Most comments praised the clever rescuer and his impromptu tool, however, Reddit user Persica managed to momentarily soil the happy image: “if you moved the second picture the to left it would look like he dropped a kitten in water.” Redditor lastman1122 brought the comment to life:
▼ “The correct course of events”
Poor baby kitty!!! We’re glad this was actually a rescue mission and not a terrible case of cat abuse as the mischievous Redditors suggest. Kuddos to this brave young man for his good deed!
Source: Byokan Sunday, Reddit
Featured image: Twitter (ni___yan07)


Blind kitten who regained her sight through loving care is thriving one year on
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Stay at a Japanese capsule hotel in Tokyo for less than US$20 a night
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Daiso Japan?
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says