By: Anuradha
We all are totally fine living with animals around us. It is really cool to cuddle them, pet them and feed them and that is why many of us have pets at home. But, have you ever imagined the reverse? Have you ever thought about how it would be if you happened to live among giant animals and you become a pet of those beasts? Perhaps the very thought can be scared to some of you.
An unknown Japanese artist, who uses the pseudonym of Ariduka55 on social media sites have created some fantastic images that have given the life to some giant animals who live and evolve alongside humans. All little animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, owls, raccoons are depicted as tremendous creatures and all these portraits give a whole different perspective to our usual way of thinking.
So, scroll down to see these pictures and let us know what you feel about them too!
Image Credit & More info: ariduka55.tumblr.com | pixiv.net | amazon.com
#1. You can’t do that human, can you?
This look on the black feline says ‘you can’t do that human, can you?’ and he also looks extra cute with the white cotton ball and the bluebird on his head.
#2. The giant fur ball.
Sleeping on a giant fur ball can be an extreme luxury where many of us cannot afford.
Fun fact: Japanese love for minimalism is known all over the world and in traditional Japanese architecture, a door, window or room divider made of translucent paper over a frame of wood is called shoji. The purpose of this door is to slide open and thus conserve the space that is required for a swinging door.
#3. Camouflage.
The black cat has merged with nature and has become a part of it. This cat also reminds us of Totoro by Ghibli studio.
#4. The giant wolf.
“In Japanese mythology, grain farmers once worshipped wolves at shrines and left food offerings near their dens, beseeching them to protect their crops from wild boars and deer. Talismans and charms adorned with images of wolves were thought to protect against fire, disease, and other calamities and brought fertility to agrarian communities and to couples hoping to have children. The Ainu people believed that they were born from the union of a wolf-like a creature and a goddess.”
H/t: The Lost Wolves Of Japan (Brett L. Walker, 2005)
#5. A true hug.
When your hug is refused with a ‘NOPE’.
Japanese have a daily expression ‘tadaima’ (ただいま) which is a shortened version of ‘I just came home’, and while usually, it is polite to respond with ‘okaeri’ (おかえり) i.e. ‘welcome home’, this giant feline will have none of it.
#6. The furball.
This features a Korean crow-tit (Base). There is a common idiom/saying: ‘the crow it will break its legs trying to walk like a stork’, which, in its simplest form means pretending to be something you are not.
#7. The innocent look.
The picture shows enchanting a stray cat by showing something shine.
#8. The hero.
The picture shows a hero trying to kill a villainous wizard.
#9. A peaceful evening in beautiful colors.
The picture shows not a raccoon but a Tanuki (or a raccoon dog), an atypical species of dog that can grow up to 60 cm in length, with distinctive stripes of black fur under its eyes. Unlike a raccoon, tanuki has a roundish nose, small floppy ears, short and furred paws for running, and a tail that is not ringed. Originally an evil trickster and spook in Japanese folklore, Tanuki is now a benevolent modern-day symbol of generosity, cheer, and prosperity.
#10. Fox in a school.
foxes are one of the most revered animals in the Japanese tradition and folklore. Kitsune (狐 or きつね) is a Japanese word for ‘fox’. They are often the subjects in stories that depict them as intelligent beings with supernatural powers. According to Yōkai folklore, kitsune has the ability to shapeshift into a human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
#11. Beauty within fur.
Japanese culture is famous for using the imagery of fox. The fox is associated with Inari as a symbol, a messenger, a servant, or maybe more. Inari is the Japanese god of foxes, of fertility, rice, tea, and sake, of agriculture and industry, of general prosperity and worldly success, and one of the principal gods of Shinto.
H/t: tofugu.com
#12. The blue blob.
The unison of birds and the cat.
#13. The butterfly.
“Japan perceives the butterfly to be a ‘soul of the living and the dead’, as a result of the popular belief that spirits of the dead take the form of a butterfly when on their journey to the other world and eternal life. The butterfly is also often used as a symbol for young girls as they spread their wings and emerge into womanhood, as well as it being believed to symbolize joy and longevity.”
#14. The moon rabbit.
Moon rabbit is a famous element in Asian mythology which has evolved from China. The civilian name of the infamous character Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi is actually Tsukino Usagi which, you guessed it right, means – ‘the rabbit of the moon’.
#15. The best way to hide from afternoon sun.
Japan is famous for its wonderful landscape and one such among them is the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu. It has numerous flower species ranging from multiple colors.
#16. The Tanukis.
In Japanese folklore, tanukis were known to be masters of illusion. They could shapeshift into any form of their liking – anything from an old bedridden woman to a bottle of white wine. They would enchant people into their games which often end in embarrassments.
#17. The best friend.
The girl in the picture is assumed to be going through a hard time and the picture shows how the creature helps her to cope with everything.
#18. The white kitty.
When the eyes say it all.
#19. The light.
This looks like a scene from the Ghibli film.
#20.The softest touch.
Sometimes friends can be the best medicine for all aches.
#21. The Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu or the brushwood dog breed is considered as most precious in Japanese culture and they were used to hunt small animals. You would surely have heard of Hachiko, the small dog who used to wait for his owner’s arrival even after his death.
#22. Close your eyes!
The warrior in disguise.
#23. Perfection in one picture.
#24. The cuddle lover.
The cat, the girl, and the sunlight pouring is a famous composition and cats are generally considered as a sign of good luck in Japanese culture. According to Japanese legend, a landlord witnessed a cat waving a paw at him. Intrigued by this gesture, he came close to the cat when suddenly a lightning bolt struck the exact place he was previously standing in. The landlord believed that his good fortune was because of the cat’s actions. Hence, the beckoning hand became a symbol of good luck.
H/t: kcpinternational.com
#25. The little birds.
#26. Can you guess who this is?
#27. A perfect Igloo.
#28. The sleeping angel.
Owls are also considered as a sign of good luck in Japan. They are believed to be offering protection from suffering.
H/t: owlcation.com
#29. Is this a dog or a fox?
#30. The boar.
Inoshishi (the boar) is a part of the Japanese culture and mythology. It was called the ‘whale of the mountains’ in the past and it often appears in Japanese folklore.