Neko

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“Neko/猫,” simply put, is the Japanese word for “cat.” Cute, sometimes mischievous, companions.

In a social-pop culture setting, it is shorthand of “nekomimi/猫耳” (cat-ears). “Neko” is as an umbrella term to describe a character possessing human and feline features. There are several types of “Neko” e.g. nekojin, nekomata, and bakeneko.

We still show love for even those technically not “Neko” like the various “kemonomimi/獣耳” (animal-ears): umamimi (🐴), usagimimi (🐰), kitsunemimi (🦊), ushimimi (🐮), inumimi (🐶), kumamimi (🐻), etc.

Characters’ traits— physically, mentally, and personality-wise— are inspired by their animal counterparts.

Hope this helps out!