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For over a decade, Japanese photographer Miyoko Ihara has been capturing the amazing bond that has developed between her grandmother, Misao, and Fukumaru – the white, odd-eyed cat her grandmother found as a stray kitten. The two have remained nearly inseparable, and the bond they share shows in the beautiful photos that Ihara takes.

Miyako lives with her grandmother on their land on the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba, Japan. Wanting to physically preserve the memories of her grandmother, she began photographing Misao’s everyday life. Fukumaru then joined their lives when he was found abandoned in a shed in 2003. Fukumaru and Misao are a remarkable pair, and can be seen doing everything together, be it enjoying a meal, taking a bath, working the fields or just relaxing in a chair.

▼Little Fukumaru as a kitten

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▼Enjoying the spring blossoms

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The cat was named Fukumaru, in the hopes that the god of good fortune (fuku) would come and everything would be smoothed over like a circle (maru). Both grandmother and cat are hard of hearing, but both seem to enjoy their simple rural life and each others’ company just the same.

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▼Fukumaru, overseeing the farm work

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▼Taking a lunch break together

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▼Who could say no to some kitty kisses?

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▼Having a rough day? Just look at this, and everything will be much better

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The friendship these two share is definitely something special. Miyoko shares many more of the sweet moments she’s captured on her website, and her popular book is also available for sale, for those of you who can’t get enough of this adorable couple.

Source: CHINADAILY FORUM, nippon.com
Images: Miyoko Ihara via CHINADAILY FORUM