The Whispering Ripple: Exploring Existence in Genki Kawamura's "If Cats Disappeared from the World"

Genki Kawamura’s “If Cats Disappeared from the World” is a poignant and whimsical exploration of life, loss, and the delicate threads that connect us to the world around us. Through the lens of a dying postman and his talking cat, Cabbage, Kawamura crafts a narrative that transcends the simple premise of a Faustian bargain, delving into deeper questions about the value of existence and the often-overlooked beauty of everyday connections.

A Faustian Bargain and the Unraveling of Reality

The story centers around a nameless protagonist, a young man facing imminent death from terminal brain cancer. He is visited by a devil who offers him a series of deals: in exchange for one thing disappearing from the world, he can have an extra day of life. Each time, the protagonist is forced to confront the ripple effects of these choices, starting with the seemingly innocuous removal of telephones. As telephones vanish, the protagonist realizes the profound impact they have on his relationships, particularly with his ex-girlfriend. This initial trade sets the stage for a series of increasingly significant disappearances, including movies and clocks, each shedding light on the protagonist’s past and his understanding of what truly matters.

Memory, Connection, and the Echoes of Absence

Kawamura masterfully uses the surreal premise to explore themes of memory and connection. The disappearances are not merely abstract exercises; they are deeply personal, forcing the protagonist to confront his regrets and the unspoken emotions that have shaped his life. The absence of movies, for instance, erases the shared experiences and memories he had with his ex-girlfriend, highlighting the ephemeral nature of shared moments and the power of art to bind us together. Similarly, the removal of clocks dismantles the framework of time, revealing how our lives are structured around schedules and routines, and how easily we take for granted the simple act of measuring time.

Cabbage’s Wisdom: The Heart of the Narrative

The relationship between the protagonist and his cat, Cabbage, is the emotional heart of the novel. Cabbage, with his sardonic wit and insightful observations, serves as a constant companion and a mirror reflecting the protagonist’s inner turmoil. The eventual choice regarding cats becomes a pivotal moment, forcing the protagonist to confront the selfishness of his desires and the profound love he has for his feline friend. This decision highlights the novel’s central theme: the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of cherishing the bonds we share.

Simplicity and Resonance: Kawamura’s Literary Craft

Kawamura’s writing is characterized by its simplicity and emotional resonance. He avoids melodrama, instead relying on subtle observations and quiet reflections to convey the protagonist’s emotional journey. The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the protagonist’s world and contemplate the profound questions he faces. The author’s use of magical realism serves not to escape reality, but to illuminate it more clearly. By stripping away the familiar elements of everyday life, Kawamura forces us to confront the essential nature of human existence and the things we often take for granted.

Cherishing the Present: A Gentle Reminder

“If Cats Disappeared from the World” is ultimately a meditation on the value of life and the importance of human connection. It reminds us that even the smallest things can have a profound impact on our lives and that the true measure of our existence lies in the relationships we cultivate and the memories we cherish. Kawamura’s novel is a gentle yet powerful reminder to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and to cherish the connections that make life meaningful. It is a story that lingers long after the final page is turned, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and the things they hold dear.