Fantasy2002
89%
The Cat Returns
Neko no Ongaeshi • Fantasy Film
Signature Tagline
"Save a royal feline, and be whisked away to the whimsical Cat Kingdom."
Production Details
DirectorHiroyuki Morita
ProducerToshio Suzuki
Running Time75 min
Release Year2002
Awards & Recognition
Mainichi Film Award for Best Animated Film (2002)
Memorable Quote
"Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear."
— The Baron
Storyline & Worldbuilding
Haru Yoshioka is an everyday high school girl with clumsy tendencies. After saving Prince Lune with a lacrosse stick, the eccentric Cat King overwhelms her with unwanted catnip gifts and plans a royal wedding. Seeking help at the Cat Bureau, she meets the debonair Baron Humbert von Gikkingen and the giant white cat Muta, who help her reclaim her human confidence.
Core Themes & Motifs
🌿 Self-Worth🌿 Whimsical Fantasy🌿 Chivalry & Humor
Key Characters & Spirits
1
Haru Yoshioka2
Baron Humbert von Gikkingen3
Muta (Renaldo Moon)4
Toto5
The Cat King