The Kokoro Clinic for the Soul lies at the end of a cobbled alley in Kyoto but not everyone can find it. In fact it can only be accessed by those people who feel genuine emotional pain.

The mysterious centre offers a unique treatment: it prescribes cats as medication.

Through five stories, interwoven with charming line drawings, we learn of how six different cats bring healing, hope and restoration to some troubled souls. 

The individuals overcome their disillusionment, guilt and heartache through caring for the cats they've each been instructed to foster - Bee, Margot, Koyuki, Tank, Tangerine and Mimita.

it's a delightful, comforting, uplifting read. Purrfect (had to be done) for cat lovers, as well as anyone who loves this particularly style of Japanese fiction. And if you want to read more about this genre, there was a great article in the Guardian last year, which you can see here.