Akiko started photographing her grandfather Jiji with their cat Kinako. The change in Jiji was massive, he went from sickly and grumpy to content and loving.
Akiko DuPont is a Documentary Photographer based in Tokyo, Japan and London, UK. She is currently focusing on projects like the WW2 women victims of the Japanese Imperial army, the concept of the childhood, ethnic minorities
and her most popular series, the cat and her grandfather.
“Since the War ended, for 64 years, Jiji commuted to his office, but in 2009 he was sent to the hospital. The doctor said he was sick. The once outgoing man gradually lost his interest in life and became grumpier than ever. It was around that time that I brought Kinako to live with us.”
One day, 94-year-old Jiji’s life was turned upside-down by Kinako the cat. An extraordinary friendship gradually grew between the two. Kinako was a shy little kitten but she quickly grew to love Jiji.
“Who would have thought that a timid kitten would befriend a grumpy old man! The border between human and animal melts, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji’s heart”
“I’m proud that I’m a Japanese and a grand daughter of Jiji.”
Bored Panda users have loved this series of photo’s.
“What a wonderful bond between man and beast. It is truly amazing how pets have such a profound effect on us and (hopefully) we to them.”
“Seriously, cuteness overload, I consider myself a dog person but I may have to change!” – Bobby Beebe