Putin’s Gift to Japanese Governor Passes Away at 12
A feline diplomat, gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japanese Governor Norihisa Satake over a decade ago, has died. Mir, the beloved cat who bridged international relations, succumbed to illness.
The story of Mir began in 2012 when Satake, then the governor of Japan’s Akita Prefecture, presented Putin with an Akita Inu puppy as a gesture of thanks for Russia’s assistance in recovering from natural disasters. Putin reciprocated the goodwill, gifting Satake a fluffy kitten they named "Mir," meaning "peace" in Russian.
Mir quickly became a cherished member of Satake’s family, residing in their home for 12 years. In 2020, Satake described Mir as a loving companion, renowned for its amicable nature and hearty appetite. "The cat gets along well with other pets," he shared.
Mir’s life symbolizes a unique chapter in international relations. The furry emissary served as a tangible symbol of friendship between nations, demonstrating the power of small gestures in fostering goodwill. While Mir is gone, its legacy as a reminder of the bonds formed across borders will endure.
