Why Are There Water Bottles Outside Homes in Japan? The Curious Tradition of Nekoyoke
Strolling through the quiet backstreets of Japan, you might spot something unusual along fences or at the edge of gardens—clear plastic water bottles lined up like sentries. They’re not discarded trash or forgotten leftovers. These bottles serve a specific purpose: to keep stray cats away. Known locally as nekoyoke, or “cat repellents,” these water bottles…