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Fran Lu

A special bond that was formed between a museum security guard and a black cat that died last year continues to move countless people online.
The feline called Ken-chan visited the Onomichi City Museum in Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture for the first time in 2017, during a special exhibition themed on cats.
He tried to enter the museum but was gently stopped by the guard, Sadao Umayahara.

Instead of repelling Ken-chan, Umayahara patiently bent down to block his way. The cat also seemed to enjoy playing with Umayahara.
Museum staff captured their interaction, and photographs of it attracted attention online.
As a fixed-term guard for the museum, Umayahara only worked there four times a year during special exhibitions.
Museum staff noticed that Ken-chan visited the museum mostly when Umayahara was on duty.

Every time the feline turned up, staff would have their cameras at the ready to capture the pair’s interaction.
The such meeting between the two took place on April 18, last year.
Ken-chan managed to make his way inside, but stopped by himself after going a few metres.
Umayahara then picked him up and took him to the restaurant area, ultimately winning their battle of wits.

An employee who had watched their interactions for seven years said the animal did not want to go to the museum, but only wanted Umayahara to play with him.
Ken-chan stopped visiting the museum in July last year, and rarely went outside due to illness, according to his owner.
Despite extensive treatment, the friendly feline died in September.
The museum announced his death on behalf of his owner on November 11, the day when Ken-chan was adopted by his owner.
Umayahara, who had only kept a dog as a pet, said Ken-chan was the only cat that was close to him.
He said he was grateful to his feline friend: “I still feel like he is coming from around that corner.”

The museum has released a 2026 calendar in memory of Ken-chan, filling it with photographs of sweet moments with Umayahara.
The calendar ends with a picture of Ken-chan standing in front of the restaurant wearing a bow tie.
Staff who selected the photo said they did so to convey that he was finally spending his time happily in his beloved home.
The museum will continue to share Ken-chan’s healthy and happy moments in future.
“Ken-chan’s soul can now enter the museum freely,” said one online observer.
“I love how the museum staff treated a feline so attentively,” said another.


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A special bond between a museum security guard in Japan and a black cat, who visited only when the guard was on duty, has caught the public’s attention. Photo: X.com

Ken-chan used to wait patiently at the entrance to the museum before security guard Sadao Umayahara welcomed him inside. Photo: X/ bijutsu1

The pair had a special bond. So much so that Ken-chan would only visit the venue when Umayahara was on duty. Photo: X.com

Staff at the museum were always ready with their cameras to record the duo’s interactions. Photo: X/ bijutsu1

Friendly feline Ken-chan died in September, but he will be fondly remembered by many. Photo: X/ bijutsu1

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People & Culture

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity


Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity.


Japan

Animals

Pets

Japan security guard’s special bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity