Office Cat Boosts Morale at an Ishikawa Logistics Firm
Based in Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, Nissho recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the company created various promotional items — with Fuku naturally taking center stage. Employees even wear shirts embroidered with her image, adding to the office's warm and friendly atmosphere. Fuku is also featured on employees' shirts — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
In the middle of the office stands a cat tower, where I found Fuku napping on the top tier. I greeted her with a quick "Nice to meet you" and snapped a photo.
She woke up with a big yawn and glanced around, almost as if checking on her coworkers' progress. The affectionate way the employees looked back at her was full of warmth. Fuku on her cat tower. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
President Yunosuke Otani described the company this way: "There's none of the rough atmosphere you often find in this [logistics] industry. That's all thanks to Fuku," he said with a gentle smile. Fuku lives a healthy and happy life despite losing her right front paw. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
When I asked Chairman Tsukasa Ishihara for a photo with Fuku, she curled up inside a document case by the desk. "This is her usual spot," the chairman chuckled. Fuku often takes over a box intended for documents on Chairman Tsukasa Ishihara's desk — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki) President Yunosuke Otani and Fuku — Kawakita Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Shuji Ozaki)
Throughout the shoot, the staff watched over Fuku and me with warm smiles the whole time.
You can catch glimpses of Fuku's everyday life on Nissho's official Instagram (@nissho_1974). Executive Director Ayumi Shimizu, who keeps the closest eye on her, has captured moments that first-time visitors like me simply couldn't.
As a true cat fan, I promised myself that next time I visit, I'll get closer to Fuku and capture the spoiled side of her that she only shows to the employees.
( Read the article in Japanese . )
Author: Shuji Ozaki, The Sankei Shimbun
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