Some of the most extraordinary creative journeys begin with a simple twist of fate. For Japanese photographer Masayuki (@masayuki.jp), all it took was a quiet park bench, an afternoon work break, and a charismatic stray named “Busa-nyan Senpai” (Senior Ugly Cat).
“I was born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, in 1978, and relocated to Tokyo in 2008,” Masayuki reflects on his early days behind the lens. “I originally picked up a camera for my job in 2009, but I was terrible at first. My boss and clients certainly didn’t hold back about how bad my shots were! Yet as I kept practicing, photography evolved from a work requirement into a genuine passion.”
The defining turning point arrived in January 2014. “During a break at work, I crossed paths with a unique stray cat in the park, whom I lovingly named Busa-nyan Senpai,” he shares. “It was love at first sight.”
Masayuki began sharing these intimate feline portraits on social media, quickly captivating an international audience. “The response from overseas followers was wonderfully warm—people were leaving comments like ‘Awesome!’ every single day. That encouragement pushed me to turn it into a daily ritual, posting one or two photos without fail.”
在 Instagram 查看這則貼文
When he abruptly left his corporate career in 2015, a new professional identity emerged out of necessity. “Because my departure was so sudden, I was worried my former clients would be angry,” he jokes. “I figured if I officially rebranded myself as a ‘Cat Photographer,’ they might go easy on me!”
When asked how he captures such candid, unguarded moments—or whether the cats are secretly directing the shoots—Masayuki reveals a wonderfully low-intervention approach. “My goal is to capture portraits where you can look straight into a cat’s soul, so I never bring treats or toys. I prefer to let them lead. If I want to interact, I’ll just pick up a blade of dried grass or a wild foxtail nearby to play with them naturally.”
As for the notion that street cats might be secretly running the show? He laughs. “That’s a fascinating perspective! I’d never considered it like that, but a truly charismatic cat might very well be steering the entire session without me even realizing it.”
在 Instagram 查看這則貼文
Documenting street animals inevitably yields unpredictable—and hilarious—moments. “I once spotted a cat squaring off against a praying mantis,” he recalls. “For a split second, the cat reared back into a flawless boxer’s stance. It was easily the funniest scene I’ve ever caught on camera.”
Despite meeting thousands of distinct personalities over the years, Masayuki’s heart belongs to the easygoing neighborhood regulars. “I love cats that are simply in good spirits and enjoying life,” he says. “Honestly, even when they’re just sleeping, they’re so endearing that I often forget to press the shutter and just end up watching them.”
在 Instagram 查看這則貼文
Yet out of the vast archive of portraits he has taken throughout his career, one image remains untouchable. “My absolute favorite is the photo of Busa-nyan Senpai sticking his tongue out,” Masayuki says softly. “He’s the one who started me on this entire path, and that picture will always hold a special place in my heart.”
