
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
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
New sushi train toy makes sushi for you, then delivers it, and is exactly what we want【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
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