Pumuckel, a German miniature stallion, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the "world's shortest male horse." Pumuckel's playful appearance and endearing personality have immediately sparked heated discussions online.

Guinness World Records states that Pumuckel, raised in Germany, surpassed the previous record holder, Bombel, from Poland, who stood at 56.7 cm, by a mere 4 cm to become the world's shortest known stallion. Although Pumuckel's shoulder height is only 52.6 cm, he exudes confidence and spirit befitting someone ten times his size.

Poomco's owner, Carola Weidemann, said a friend introduced her to Poomco, "I drove over to take a look and was really surprised. I had never seen such a small horse before."

She added that she adopted Poomco in October 2020, "It was only 5 months old then, believe it or not, it was only 47 centimeters tall, and I think it weighed less than 20 kilograms." However, she explained that she didn't deliberately use unconventional breeding methods; she believes its naturally small size may symbolize "the wonder of nature."


It's worth mentioning that besides its striking appearance, Poomco is also a skilled and well-trained therapy horse. It frequently visits nursing homes, hospices, schools, and facilities for people with disabilities. Weidemann said, "It loves being the center of attention." It also loves being tickled and hugged by children, and is quite gentle even with small animals. To reward its hard work, she treats it to its favorite carrots and apples.

 


Octopuses have been confirmed by scientists to be among the most intelligent and highly capable learning species in invertebrates, often displaying astonishingly high levels of intelligence. Mattias Krantz, a Swedish musician with nearly 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube, previously bought a baby octopus at a seafood market and attempted to teach it to "play the piano" like a human. The video of his teaching sessions attracted over 5.6 million viewers after it was released.

Krantz, known for his daring and adventurous musical experiments, uploaded a video on the 5th titled "I


taught an octopus to play the piano (it took 6 months)," which garnered widespread attention. According to the video, Krantz traveled to a seafood market in South Korea to find a "new student." After studying grouper, lobster, and flounder, he ultimately decided to bring home a small, young octopus.

The octopus was later named "Takoyaki" by Kranz. After caring for it carefully for a period of time, Kranz decided to use it to launch a whimsical and special project. Kranz said he had always wanted to try teaching animals to play the piano, and octopuses with eight tentacles are recognized as incredibly intelligent creatures, adept at problem-solving, and with an IQ comparable to a three-year-old human child. Therefore, he believed that octopuses had immense potential in learning music.

Kranz thought, "Each of the octopus's eight tentacles has a 'little brain,' which means there are eight pianists living in one body." With this idea in mind, he began actively planning Takoyaki's piano lessons. However, Takoyaki's initial learning process was not smooth. Kranz tried methods such as using glowing keys and hiding fake crabs in the piano, but none of them successfully piqued its interest. Ultimately, Kranz decided to personally build a brand new piano suitable for the octopus's habits and physical characteristics.

Above different piano keys, Kranz placed several transparent tubes that could deliver food. When "Takoyaki" pressed a key with its tentacles, food such as crab placed inside the tubes would gradually descend. Then, as long as "Takoyaki" could press a melody matching the musical vibrator with its tentacles, the food would fall within its reach. Kranz stated that after this "reward mechanism" was officially implemented, "Takoyaki" showed a remarkably strong motivation to learn.

After six months of diligent learning, "Takoyaki's" piano skills not only improved significantly, but it even began to play short melody with Kranz, who played the guitar. Kranz was overjoyed, praising it as a "blues pianist" and promising to let "Takoyaki" continue living with him. After videos of "Takoyaki's" learning process were released, they quickly went viral globally, attracting numerous zoologists and scientists who inquired whether Kranz could write a paper about the entire experiment.

Other netizens commented, "You might be the first musician to play a duet with an octopus," "It might have ended up as someone's food, but now it's become a musician and a friend. The world is truly amazing," "The piano performance was certainly brilliant, but the genuine emotion and understanding between you two is what truly touches people's hearts," and "As an animal rights activist, I'm glad you didn't release the takoyaki directly into the wild. Wild octopuses must learn to hunt and protect themselves, just like you taught it to play the piano. Once you change an animal's original behavior and then abandon it, it's a very cruel act."

Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) is a famous Sichuan dish made of silky tofu and minced meat in a spicy, numbing sauce. The name literally translates to “Pockmarked Old Woman’s Tofu”. Legend says it was created by a woman with pockmarks on her face who ran a small restaurant in Chengdu during the Qing Dynasty

Appearance: A vibrant red sauce, slightly oily, with tofu cubes floating alongside minced meat.
Texture: Silky tofu contrasts with chewy minced meat, while the sauce coats everything richly.
Taste: Deep umami from fermented pastes, fiery chili heat, and tingling numbness from peppercorns.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon = 15ml, 1 teaspoon = 5ml
Soft tofu 1 box
Minced pork 200g
Garlic 3-4 cloves
Rice wine 1 tablespoon
Scallion 1 stalk

Marinade:
Soy sauce  1 tablespoon
Spicy bean paste  1.5 tablespoons
Sugar  1 teaspoon
White pepper powder  a pinch

Preparation: Thaw the ground meat, dice the soft tofu, chop the scallions, and mince the garlic.





1. Boil a pot of water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add diced tofu and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Without oil, add minced pork and stir-fry until the pork releases moisture and oil (to remove any gamey smell).

*Make sure the minced pork is cooked until all the moisture is evaporated before proceeding to the next step!

3. Sauté minced garlic in the oil of ground meat until fragrant, then add rice wine and stir-fry over high heat until fragrant. Add spicy bean paste and stir-fry evenly until fragrant.




4. Next, add soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper powder, stir-fry evenly, then add the tofu back in. Add water until it covers half of the ingredients, cover the pot, and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

*Because the saltiness of different brands of spicy bean paste varies slightly, you can taste it at this point. If it's too salty, add more water and simmer; if it's too bland, add a little salt.

5. Once the sauce has slightly reduced and the tofu has taken on the sauce color, turn off the heat. Plate it and sprinkle with chopped green onions to finish.

The spiciness of Mapo Tofu comes from the spicy fermented bean paste.
Because it's stir-fried, it's not too pungent!
If you don't eat spicy food, simply replace the spicy fermented bean paste with a non-spicy one!

 

Stir-fried tomatoes and eggs is a common home-style dish made primarily with tomatoes and eggs. The main ingredients include eggs, tomatoes, cooking oil, salt, water, light soy sauce, chopped green onions, sugar, and oyster sauce.

The flavor of stir-fried tomatoes and eggs is slightly sour with a hint of sweetness. The dish is characterized by its perfect balance of sweet and sour, and its rich, juicy flavor. If you prefer more tomato juice, cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces; this will allow the juices to be released more easily during cooking. It's also worth noting that adding a small amount of water to the eggs will make them very tender. Cook the tomatoes until they resemble a tomato sauce; you can add a suitable amount of sugar during this process to balance the flavor.

Ingredients: 3-4 eggs, 1-2 tomatoes (can be increased as needed)

Marinade
1 gram of salt
3 grams of sugar, and cooking oil




Prepare the ingredients: 3 eggs, 2 medium-sized tomatoes, 1 gram of salt, 3 grams of sugar, and cooking oil as needed.

Crack the eggs, beat them well, and put them in a bowl for later use. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and set aside.




Pour some cooking oil into the pan, and once the oil is hot, pour in the beaten eggs.





Add a little sugar, a little salt, and a little light soy sauce to the pot and stir-fry evenly. Then reduce the sauce over high heat.





Once the eggs have slightly solidified and broken up, push them to one side (or set them aside). Then add the tomatoes and stir-fry evenly.





Add salt, stir-fry evenly, then turn off the heat and plate.







Cooking Tips

1. If you prefer more tomato juice, cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces; this will make it easier for the juice to be released during cooking.

2. Adding a little water to the eggs will make them very tender when scrambled.

3. Summer tomatoes are very juicy; they release a lot of juice after just a short time of scrambling, so there's no need to add water at the end.

4. When the tomatoes have turned into a tomato sauce-like consistency, you can add a suitable amount of sugar during the scrambling process to balance the flavor.


The blue ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface and is home to many unique and beautiful marine creatures. One such creature, affectionately known as the "leaf slug" or "leaf goat," has recently gained significant attention online due to its adorable appearance, seemingly straight out of an anime.

The leaf slug's formal scientific name is *Costasiella kuroshimae*, and it was first discovered off the coast of Kurocho, Japan in 1993, hence its name. It belongs to a subspecies of sea slug, class Gastropoda, phylum Mollusca. They are very small, ranging from 3 millimeters to 1 centimeter in length, and feed on seaweed. They are mainly distributed in the coral reefs along the coasts of Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This sea slug has a white head with a pair of small, black, bead-like eyes and two adorable, horn-like tentacles,

making it look like a cartoon sheep. Its overall appearance is as if it's wrapped in layers of leaves, so fans prefer to call it "Leaf Sheep" rather than its formal name.

Besides its cute appearance, the Leaf Sheep is also one of the few animals in the world capable of photosynthesis. This marine creature possesses a "kleptoplasty," which allows it to absorb chloroplasts from seaweed and convert them into its own body. This means that after eating seaweed just once, the Leaf Sheep gains the ability to photosynthesize; it can convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars for energy simply by basking in the sun.

However, because the chloroplasts come from seaweed, the Leaf Sheep must replenish its seaweed intake after a period of time to continue photosynthesis and sustain life.

In its juvenile stage, the Leaf Sheep's body is white and transparent, but as it begins to feed on seaweed, it gradually turns a plant-like green, radiating a sunlight-green hue. In other words, seaweed not only allows them to survive in a unique way, but it also alters their color.


However, some photographers have captured images of leaf sheep with bodies displaying different colors, which may be related to the different types of seaweed they prey on.

Delicious food is unhealthy, and healthy food is unappetizing? Do you like cilantro? A doctor has listed 10 healthy foods that many people avoid. In fact, they have various health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, cancer prevention, weight loss, and eye protection, and are highly nutritious!

10 Healthy Foods That Many People Are Afraid to Eat?

1. Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is more than just a cooling food! Although bitter, it's rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber, and helps stabilize blood sugar.

Nutritionists point out that bitter melon's blood sugar-lowering effect comes from "bitter melon glycosides" and "bitter melon peptides." The former stimulates insulin secretion, breaking down blood sugar; the latter is responsible for constructing insulin-like substances, helping to stabilize blood sugar. Bitter melon is rich in pectin, which studies have shown can lower blood lipids, lower cholesterol, and increase good cholesterol. Bitter melon also has anti-cancer properties; its Vitamin C content can fight free radicals. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, bitter melon has a cooling and detoxifying effect.

2. Okra

Is okra good for improving constipation and lowering blood sugar? Okra is full of mucus,


 but it's actually a high-fiber food that helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

The outer skin and seeds of okra are rich in "rhamnogalacturonic acid," which is believed to slow down digestion and the absorption of sugars from food, thus slowing down the rise in blood sugar.

3. Leeks

Can eating more leeks improve blood circulation and prevent heart disease? Leeks are rich in vitamin K and


folic acid, which help maintain cardiovascular health.

A nephrologist states that leeks are rich in sulfur, which the liver needs to remove mercury and certain food additives for detoxification; sulfur also has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Celery

 Don't like celery because, like coriander, the taste isn't appealing?

Although celery has a strong smell, it's rich in water and fiber, which helps with weight loss.

5. Carrots


Carrots, often rejected by picky eaters, can actually help prevent colds? Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which helps maintain healthy vision.

A nutritionist states that every 100 grams of carrots contains 2.9 grams of fiber and provides 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin A. Furthermore, beta-carotene is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the respiratory tract and skin tissue.

6. Green Bell Peppers


Besides broccoli, green bell peppers are another green vegetable often disliked. However, they are actually rich in Vitamin C.

Nutritionists say that green bell peppers have the highest dietary fiber content among the four types of bell peppers, and are also rich in chlorophyll, which helps with detoxification, bowel movements, and promoting metabolism.


7. Snow Peas

Green beans are another food that is often picked apart. Snow peas are also very high in protein and fiber, but their texture is a bit dry.

8. Kale


Kale has a slightly bitter taste, but it's a superfood! Kale is rich in Vitamin K and indoles, but many people dislike its slightly tough texture and bitterness.

Kale belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and contains abundant antioxidants that help prevent cancer. It is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis, and is listed as one of the must-eat foods after age 50.

9. Coriander


Can eating coriander prevent fatty liver? Coriander is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and K.

Nutritionists point out that coriander contains various phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol and blood lipids. It also contains flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and apigenin, which help lower blood pressure. Coriander leaves also contain quercetin, which helps reduce liver fat.

10. Eggplant


Eggplant may not be everyone's favorite in terms of taste, but it is equally nutritious. Eggplant is rich in fiber, vitamins B1 and B6.

Nutritionists mention that purple fruits and vegetables, including eggplant, are rich in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol, which help maintain memory, fight aging, and maintain urinary system health.


 The United States officially minted its final circulating penny on March 12, ending its 232-year production history. This move aims to save government spending, as the cost of manufacturing the penny has far exceeded its face value.

The final circulating penny was hand-pressed at the Philadelphia Mint by Treasury Secretary Brandon Beach. Acting Master of the Mint, Kristie McNally, stated in a press release, "While mass production of the penny ends today, the penny's legend lives on."

The main driving force behind this production halt was current President Trump. He publicly called for the Treasury to stop production in February, criticizing the move on his "Real Social Media" platform: "For too long, the cost of minting a penny in the United States has actually exceeded 2 cents. This is incredibly wasteful!" According to the latest data from the Mint, the production cost of each penny has soared to 3.69 cents.

The U.S. cent coin originated from the Coinage Act of 1792. Early versions were made of pure copper, but now they are made of smaller copper-zinc plated coins, giving them the nickname and color of "red cent." The Mint emphasizes that the approximately 300 billion coins currently in circulation will remain legal tender and can continue to be used.

The report points out that the cost-effectiveness debate regarding discontinuing cent coin production in the United States has a long history. Previous attempts by Congress to legislate on this matter have all failed, making this executive-led decision to discontinue production all the more historically significant.

 In the image, the white-haired father, his shoulders covered in gunpowder-stained snow, gently rests his calloused hands on his son's curled-up back—this young man, who should be studying on a university campus, is instead wrapped in a mud-caked military overcoat, fast asleep with his head on his father's lap in the sub-zero temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius.

The father and son belong to the 47th Mechanized Brigade, which has been stationed on the Donetsk front since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. The 57-year-old veteran, Valery, had served in the Crimean crisis in 2014, and the three bullet marks on his left chest are still clearly visible. Last winter, he received a hastily written enlistment application from his only son, Ivan: "I can't let my father face the sound of gunfire alone."

According to statistics from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in 2023, approximately 4,300 father-son pairs served together on the front lines, with 28% of these "second-generation soldiers" under the age of 25. These hands, which should be holding pens, were forced to grip rifles, measuring the depth of the trenches with their youth amidst an average of 37 artillery barrages per day.

When reinforcement orders pierced the night again, the father would secretly replace his son's bulletproof vest with his own. These soldiers, bound by blood, melted battlefield rations with their body heat and measured the distance between life and death with their breath on the steel and flesh-and-blood battlefield. Their unspoken understanding when firing back-to-back surpassed any military training manual.

Looking at the son's peaceful profile in the photo, we suddenly understood: So-called heroes are simply fathers and sons who had to be strong. They protected not only the battlefield, but also the hot soup on millions of family tables, the sound of reading in schools, and the white wedding dresses at weddings. Like and share this post to let more people see the glimmer of humanity amidst the flames of war. May every night filled with vigilance be accompanied by the cry of a dove of peace at dawn.

The slightly acidic tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, combined with the vibrant colors of bell peppers, create a stunning flavor profile, whether paired with fried fish fillets or fried pork tenderloin!
Ingredients
Tomato sauce : 3 tablespoons
Pork tenderloin : 2 slices
Red and yellow bell peppers : 1/4 each
Scallions : 2 stalks
Cornstarch slurry : 1 cup
Sweet potato starch : as needed
Onion : 1/4
Aged vinegar and plum paste : 1 tablespoon

Marinade
Sesame oil : as needed
Pepper powder : a dash 
Soy Sauce: a dash

Preparation: Slice onions and bell peppers, cut scallions into sections, marinate pork tenderloin briefly, and prepare ketchup.
Coat the marinated pork tenderloin evenly with sweet potato starch.






Fry in oil until golden brown, then drain and set aside.
In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil, add sugar and sauté until fragrant.
Add cornstarch slurry and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Squeeze out about 3 tablespoons of Heinz ketchup from its convenient upside-down bottle and add 1 tablespoon of aged vinegar and plum paste to the pan, stirring constantly.
Add the sliced ​​onions and bell peppers, and halved scallions, and sauté briefly.
Finally, add the pork tenderloin slices and briefly dip them in the ketchup sauce before removing from heat.
Delicious dish—sweet and ready to serve!

Weight loss and fat reduction can be considered a lifelong pursuit for many, not only for their health but also to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing physique. Besides maintaining a balanced diet, some basic exercises can also help with fat loss, but are you exercising correctly?

Excessive exercise won't necessarily make you lose weight; it can even cause muscle damage. Here are 10 of the most effective fat-burning exercises. Choose one that feels comfortable to do!

10. Walking

We walk every day. Consistent daily walking effectively exercises the cardiovascular system, improves the

digestive system, and helps maintain a healthy figure. A 10-minute walk can burn 23.3-37.3 calories, strengthen leg muscles, and reduce abdominal fat accumulation.

9. Yoga

Yoga movements may appear gentle, but they actually require significant muscle strength. Completing a standard yoga pose effectively works every part of the body, reducing excess body fat. A 10-minute yoga session can burn 37.3 calories.

8. Dancing

Dancing improves flexibility, enhances blood vessel elasticity, relieves nerve and muscle tension, and improves coordination. A 10-minute dance session can burn 28.42 calories and helps eliminate toxins through sweat.


7. Badminton

Playing badminton is a very physically demanding sport. If you want to quickly slim down your calves and arms, then you should definitely choose badminton, an aerobic exercise. Every 10 minutes of badminton can burn 42 calories and also improve reaction time.

6. Aerobics

Aerobics not only effectively burns fat but also helps with body shaping, allowing you to improve your physique while losing weight. Taking some time each day to do aerobics can reduce stress and promote detoxification through sweating – a win-win situation! Every 10 minutes of aerobics can burn 46.7 calories, making it easy to burn fat.

5. Jump Rope


Jump rope is also a physically demanding aerobic exercise. If you want to reduce fat in your hips and thighs, try jumping rope. In addition, jumping rope can help shape your arms, making your overall figure more attractive. Every 10 minutes of jumping rope can burn 73.3 calories!

4. Running

Running exercises all the muscles in the body, improves cardiovascular function, and also strengthens joints, ligaments, and increases bone density and elasticity. However, running is not recommended for those with knee problems. Running for 10 minutes burns about 63.3 calories, and the exercise helps release stress while you sweat.

3. Climbing Stairs

Many places have stairs. If you live in an apartment, climbing stairs is a great way to burn fat. Climbing stairs exercises the knees and ankles, improves joint flexibility, and strengthens cardiovascular function. Surprisingly, it also promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation. Climbing stairs for 10 minutes burns about 74.7 calories, which seems pretty good.


2. Swimming

Swimming can shape your body and create a more balanced, more defined physique. Exercising in water requires the body to overcome greater resistance and pressure, thus providing a more thorough muscle workout. Swimming for 10 minutes burns about 74.7 calories, and it's incredibly refreshing!

1. Cycling

Cycling is equivalent to running and skipping rope, but with minimal stress on the ankles and knees. It also improves cardiovascular function and boosts metabolism. Every 10 minutes of cycling can burn 56 calories.


If you indulge in too much delicious food while relaxing, your weight will naturally increase. It's time to get back into shape, start exercising, and get healthier!


 The Hawaiian Islands are just the visible peaks of a vast underwater mountain range formed over millions of years

of volcanic activity. What most people don't realize is that this archipelago is home to some of the highest peaks on Earth—and most of it is underwater!

Mauna Kea rises a staggering 10,210 meters (33,500 feet) from its seabed to its summit, taller than Mount Everest! (Mount Everest: 8,848 meters / 29,029 feet)

Chains of islands and seamounts (such as Mount Loishi, Mount Neker, and Mount Kure) tell the story of tectonic plate movement and powerful, static hotspots beneath the Pacific Plate. As the islands move northwest, they become older and smaller.

These breathtaking landscapes serve as a reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet—much of which lie hidden beneath the ocean surface.


 The story of 喫茶 思いつき (Kissa Omoitsuki) is a beloved modern legend in Tokyo's coffee scene. It's a story that perfectly encapsulates the mystique, eccentricity, and uncompromising dedication found in Japan's kissaten (traditional coffee shop) culture. 

Here is the story of "The Whim" cafe.

The name itself is the key to the story. "思いつき" means "a whim," "a sudden idea," or "a fancy." This is not just a name; it's the cafe's founding principle and its entire operational philosophy.

Sometime in the 1980s, in the quiet, residential neighborhood of Nishi-Ogikubo (西荻窪) in Tokyo, a man named Mr. Shibata decided to open a coffee shop. He was a coffee enthusiast with very particular tastes. However, he didn't want the pressures of a regular business—fixed hours, customer expectations, or the need to be constantly available. So, he opened a cafe on a whim. He established a set of rules that were, for the time, completely unconventional and have since become the stuff of legend.

What makes Kissa Omoitsuki famous is not just its coffee, but how it is run. The rules are a reflection of the owner's personality and his desire for ultimate freedom.

  • Extremely Limited Hours: The cafe famously opens only from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Even More Limited Days: It's open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • The "Open" Sign is a Lie: Perhaps the most famous rule—just because the sign says "Open" doesn't mean you can get in. If Mr. Shibata isn't in the mood, if he's tired, or if he simply has other plans, the door will be locked, even during official opening hours.
  • No Menu: There is no printed menu. Mr. Shibata will simply ask you, "What would you like?" The expected answer is to order a blend of coffee beans. He has a selection of beans, and you choose your preferred mix (e.g., "Brazil and Guatemala").
  • The Coffee is Everything: There is no food, no music, no Wi-Fi. The focus is solely on the coffee, which is brewed one cup at a time with meticulous care using a siphon method. The experience is one of quiet anticipation.
  • Cash Only and a Unique Payment System: The price is fixed (reportedly around ¥500-¥600 for decades). You pay by placing your money directly into a small wooden box on the counter. There is no register, and change is made on the honor system.
  • Silence and Solitude: The atmosphere is famously quiet and contemplative. Patrons speak in hushed tones, read books, or simply watch the master at work. It's not a place for lively conversation.


Visiting Kissa Omoitsuki became a pilgrimage for coffee lovers and those seeking an authentic, old-Tokyo experience. The challenge was part of the appeal:

  • The Journey: First, you had to go to Nishi-Ogikubo on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon.

  • The Gamble: Then, you had to walk to the unassuming, traditional Japanese house and check if the noren (curtain) was out and the door was unlocked.

  • The Reward: If you were lucky enough to find it open, you were granted entry into a time-capsule—a small, smoky room with a counter that seated only about 8 people, filled with the rich aroma of coffee and the sight of a master focused on his craft.

The allure was in this unpredictability. It was a cafe that existed purely for the owner's pleasure, and customers were welcomed as guests into his private world.

Kissa Omoitsuki became a symbol of the jimono (local) kissaten culture of Nishi-Ogikubo, an area known for its antique shops and unique small businesses. It inspired countless articles, blog posts, and even mentions in guidebooks, all with the caveat: "You might not get in."

The story of Omoitsuki is a testament to the idea that a business can succeed on its own terms, prioritizing the owner's passion and philosophy over profit and convenience. It reinforces the Japanese appreciation for kodawari (こだわり)—a commitment to perfection and personal peculiarity in one's craft.

Important Note: As with any legendary establishment run by an aging master, the situation can change. Mr. Shibata is now quite elderly, and the opening hours have become even more sporadic and unpredictable in recent years. For any potential visitor, it's essential to understand that the "whim" is still very much in charge, and finding the cafe closed is part of the authentic Omoitsuki experience.

 

The Onomichi City Museum of Art in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, is known for its daily visits by a pair of cats living nearby. These cats would attempt to sneak into the museum through the main entrance, only to be stopped by the gentle security guards each time. This battle between the two has become a popular topic of conversation both locally and online. However, the museum recently announced with deep sorrow that Ken-chan, the black cat who successfully breached the guards last year, passed away this September, shocking countless fans.

According to Japanese media reports, the Onomichi City Museum of Art's famous "human-cat battle" originated from the "Full of Cats Exhibition" held in March 2017. At that time, multiple cat silhouettes were displayed on the glass doors, unexpectedly attracting uninvited guests: Ken-chan, a black cat living near a restaurant, and Go, a stray orange tabby. The security guard, Mr. Sadao Uyahara, began a years-long battle with them.
The museum staff stated that the two cats were first spotted strolling near the museum in 2016, but did not
attempt to enter. It wasn't until the museum held the "Full of Cats Exhibition" that they developed a strong curiosity and wanted to explore the museum. To prevent them from causing trouble under the guise of "visiting," Sadao Usayahara diligently stopped the two cats, gently petting them and advising them against it. This only made the two cats more eager to visit daily.

The museum staff observed that Ken was particularly fond of Usayahara, completely ignoring other guards. Ken only attempted to enter the museum when Usayahara was on duty, suggesting that Ken enjoyed being stopped and the gentle petting and cuddling. However, last April, taking advantage of Usayahara's lowered guard, Ken rolled over and attacked him, rushing towards the main entrance. Although he was eventually caught, this marked the first time Ken successfully breached the security line head-on.

This amusing yet heartwarming "battle between humans and cats" became a popular topic of conversation after being shared online by the museum, attracting media attention from around the world who hailed it as "the world's most peaceful battle." However, Xiao Jian had been taken to the hospital for treatment earlier this year due to illness and rarely appeared in public. This morning (11th), with the owner's consent, the museum announced that Xiao Jian, who had been actively undergoing treatment and fighting against the disease, passed away on September 20th.

The museum revealed that the reason for announcing Xiao Jian's passing today was because it was the day he officially became a family cat, and they will never forget the years Xiao Jian spent accompanying the museum staff. Masao Uyahara, who "fought" with Xiao Jian for many years, mentioned that he still felt Xiao Jian would appear from around a corner every day on his way to work. "Xiao Jian was the first cat I met who was so attached to me. I want to say 'thank you' to it, thank you for all the wonderful memories it gave me."

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