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And it’s not just because they’ve got an adorable logo…

Yamato Transport, affectionately known simply as “kuroneko” (lit. “black cat”) in Japan due to its adorable logo of a mother cat carrying her kitten in her mouth, is the largest door-to-door delivery company in Japan. The company was founded in 1919 by Yasuomi Ogura, who was also the creator of the aforementioned logo, which he felt would remind his employees to handle the parcels as if they were their own kids.

But what is it about Kuroneko that makes Japan love them so?

1. They’ll deliver to your location, no matter where you are

Do you live in a snowy place where regular tires can’t get any traction? No problem, because Kuroneko has some special vehicles in their fleet so they can reach you no matter where you live. Included in their delivery armada are boats that they use to reach some of the more isolated islands in Japan.

2. They’ll deliver to your address even when they have only a phone number and post code to go on

For all those times when the computer makes a mess of your address, Kuroneko won’t just give up and return the package to sender. They will go the extra mile and use your information, like a phone number and postal code, to figure out where the package should go.

3. They’ll give it the “soft touch in purin” care

Whether you are waiting for a box of books or sending something a little more breakable, you can be confident that your package will be handled with extreme delicacy. You could probably send custard pudding on a plate and the recipient would get the jiggly food in perfect condition. Also if you do send pudding, the drivers swear they won’t take a bite of it if they get hungry.

4. They’ll work till they lose their fingers (on their gloves)

Besides the fact that their work gloves are the most adorable hand protectors you’ve ever seen, they’ll keep at the job until the very holey end.

5. Customers can redeem Kuroneko points to snag a pair of those gloves themselves

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Unfortunately, you can’t buy those cute kitty print gloves in any store, but you can get them from their catalogue with Kuroneko points. They cost about 150 points and you can choose between green, pink, blue and yellow gloves. Because who doesn’t like cute merch?

6. They’ll always look out for cats

Whether it is a cat at someone’s house or a stray cat taking a break under a car, Kuroneko employees apparently take extra care to make sure the animals that inspired their logo are having a good day.

7. They do their part for the environment

In an age where we need to seriously start taking better care of the environment, Kuroneko has responded by utilizing a bicycle driven cart. You see these things everywhere in urban hubs like Tokyo.

8. They’ll piggyback on passenger buses

Another way the company is doing its bit for the environment is by putting parcels going long distances onto buses that are already traveling on that route. Saves on gas and emissions, and saves the customers some money too!

9. They’ll help anyone out, even a rival company

In the photo above, the man second from the left is a someone who works for Kuroneko. The other four all work for Sagawa Express, a rival transportation company. Never leave a fellow delivery guy stranded!

10. They helped sponsor the Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service

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The word “takkyubin” was a word created and trademarked by the company when they began their door-to-door service. And although permission to use the word wasn’t really necessary, Kuroneko not only approved the use, but enthusiastically sponsored the movie probably because a black cat, Jiji, plays such an important role in it.

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If by now those 10 facts don’t firmly place you on “Team Kuroneko”, we don’t know what else will! If you live in Japan, next time you see a Kuroneko truck on the street, make sure you thank them for all their hard work. To those who deliver our packages, we salute you!

Source: grape
Top Image: Twitter/@hiidejp