These are photos (Thanks Takako!) from Japan Cat Network's experience being a part of the ITV Ian Leese film, Joanna Lumley: Cat Woman. We had an amazing time, and really enjoyed all of the very nice people that we met in the process. Joanna is as kind as she is beautiful, which made her an instant hit with all of the volunteers. David and I were already long time fans, so it was a treat for us to meet her in person, and find out what a nice human being she is. The cats took to her as well, and it's clear that she cares a great deal about animal welfare.

Ian and Maeve came out early to look at the locations....we visited the castle gardens and went to a nice local Japanese restaurant.



The group meeting at the restaurant.... our food



Everyone else arrived the night before filming, and we went out to eat okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) together...Takako gave Joanna a present from our group.



We went out with a few of the crew after dinner to chat, and then raced to catch the very last train...we were all up early the next morning for filming at the castle.



Nakanishi san brought flowers for Joanna...Mary and Joanna on their climb to the castle.



Climb to the castle...our local 400 year old castle.



Pictures along the climb.



View from the top.



After the castle we went to the castle gardens.



A view of the castle through the trees...the walk back.



Preparing for filming at the shelter...Ian plays with the cats.



I was a little nervous about being filmed, but Joanna said that I should just think about us having a conversation...waiting in the road during filming.


Trying to get the kitties to hold still for photos...Joanna and Miyako



Daifuku and Joanna...we discovered that Daifuku is an escape artist.



Sushi and salad lunch at the Ogita's house afterward.



Joanna makes hand rolled sushi.



Joanna at the Ogita's home shrine, and outside in the neighborhood.



More eating...a picture with the lunch team--Ayako, Joanna, Toshie, and Akiko.



A picture with us before she leaves the shelter...Daifuku and Miyako say goodbye.



Filming the Bullet Train (Shinkansen), and arriving at Kongouen.



Tea together in the Kongouen gift shop...preparing for filming around the hearth.



Spooky lighting for telling ghost cat stories...Professor Akiko Manabe and Joanna wait for filming to begin.



 Manabe sensei and Joanna talk...Daifuku and Bunny snuggle with Joanna. It was very cold, and the two small pillows are actually hot water bottles.



Maeve and the Kongouen manager...we say goodbye as their shinkansen train leaves our station.