Ugoku! Neko Mukashibanashi [Season 1 Episode 14]

“Ugoku! Neko Mukashibanashi” Episode 14: When Folktales Get a Feline Facelift

Let’s be real—most of us have heard classic stories like Cinderella or The Three Little Pigs so many times, they’re basically background noise. But what if those tales had a tiny, fluffy game-changer? Enter “Ugoku! Neko Mukashibanashi” (which roughly translates to “Moving! Cat Folktales”), a quirky anime that asks one very important question: What if a cat crashed this story? And after binging Episode 14, I can safely say—cats make everything better.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. This show is the brainchild of Studio Comet, the same folks who brought us “Sailor Moon R” (yes, that Sailor Moon). But don’t expect magical transformations here—this is all about charm. Each episode takes a beloved folktale from around the world and injects it with a feline twist. Think of it like your grandma’s bedtime stories, but with more purring and chaos.

Episode 14 dives into The Pillow Book, a 10th-century Japanese classic by Sei Shōnagon. Now, if you’re like me, you might know The Pillow Book as that ancient text full of poetic observations about court life (thanks, high school lit class). But here’s the kicker: the anime doesn’t just retell the story—it reimagines it with a cat as the star. Cue the “awws.”

The plot? A curious kitten stumbles into the world of Sei Shōnagon’s writing, turning her elegant observations into playful chaos. One minute, the kitten is knocking over ink pots mid-poem; the next, it’s curled up on a scroll, turning a serious passage about cherry blossoms into a naptime scene. It’s silly, it’s sweet, and honestly? It makes The Pillow Book way more relatable. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it, “Who knew ancient Japanese poetry could be this cute?”

What makes this episode stand out is how it balances humor with heart. The animation is bright and bouncy—think soft pastels and wiggly cat tails that practically beg you to reach through the screen and pet them. The voice acting is equally delightful: the kitten’s meows are so convincing, I caught myself checking my couch for strays halfway through. And let’s not forget the little details—like the way the cat’s paw prints smudge the calligraphy, or how it chases fireflies while Sei Shōnagon mutters about “distractions.” It’s the kind of show that makes you grin like an idiot, even when you’re supposed to be “adulting.”

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a show for kids. Adults will pick up on the nods to the original Pillow Book—like the references to Heian-era court life or the subtle jokes about Sei Shōnagon’s perfectionism. One fan joked, “I studied this in college, and my professor would hate this… but I love it.” It’s that mix of nostalgia and novelty that makes “Ugoku! Neko Mukashibanashi” so addictive.

Of course, no episode is perfect. Some viewers felt the pacing was a bit slow, and others wished the cat had more “screen time” (can you ever have enough cat screen time?). But let’s be real—when you’re watching a show about a kitten causing havoc in a 10th-century poem, do you really care about pacing? Probably not. As another fan pointed out, “It’s 12 minutes of pure joy. What more do you need?”

What I love most about this episode is how it turns something “boring” (ancient literature) into something accessible. Let’s face it—most of us would never pick up The Pillow Book on our own. But throw in a cat, some slapstick humor, and a healthy dose of cuteness? Suddenly, you’re not just watching an anime—you’re learning (sort of). It’s the kind of show that makes you want to Google the original story afterward, just to see how the cat version stacks up.

In a world where anime is often all about epic battles or dark plot twists, “Ugoku! Neko Mukashibanashi” is a breath of fresh air. It’s not trying to be deep or edgy—it’s just trying to make you smile. And let’s be honest, we all need more of that in our lives.

So, if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, or if you just love cats (who doesn’t?), give Episode 14 a watch. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it might just make you look at folktales (and cats) in a whole new way. As one fan summed it up: “A little kitty to spend the seasons with.” And honestly? I couldn’t agree more.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch the part where the cat steals Sei Shōnagon’s brush. Again.

Final Verdict: 4/5 stars—because you can never have too many cats in your anime. 🐱✨