There are plenty of cats in Kobe. I see cats lining the alleyways on my way to the train in the morning. "The early cat catches the bird!" Usually I see them lounging around looking very smug.
I have been teaching English as a second language for over 20 years in Japan and Canada. What keeps me in Japan is the love of its culture, which constantly surprises me. I am also fascinated with "alternative travel", or "travel off the beaten path". Ferries and trains are my mode of choice... airplane for convenience.