Genyo readily agreed and after this time the stipend from the family was restored, allowing the temple to flourish once more.
A little while later Genyo planted a pine in memory of the cat (who never returned😭). It became known as the 'Cat Pine' (猫松 'Neko-matsu').
By the time of the 3rd abbot, Genyo (還誉上人), Shōnen-ji was almost ruined.
Despite his own impoverishment, Genyo kept his pet cat well fed with the little money he made begging for alms.
Late one evening, during a full moon, Genyo returned from a long day.
As he passed the temple's main hall he realised there was somebody inside. Opening the door, he was astonished to see a beautiful princess in elegant clothes, face concealed by a fan.
The princess danced.
Nyan Nyan-ji was the brainchild of Kaya Tōru (加悦徹), a painter working at shrines and temples across Japan. Kaya opened the gallery in 2016, inspired by one of his favourite cats.
Since this time the 'temple' has had 3 'cat abbots'. The current head is 'Koyuki' (小雪).
Camellia Tea Ceremony