Cats, Kappa, and Foxes: Animals and Anthropomorphism in Japanese Literature

This panel will examine the history, themes, and narrative forms of modern Japanese literature featuring animal or other anthropomorphic characters, narrators, and perspectives, including such characters as cats, foxes, kappa, and various yōkai (monsters).

Deadline for submissions: Friday, March 20, 2026

Pedro Bassoe, Purdue University (pbassoe@purdue.edu ) Charles Exley, University of Pittsburgh (exley@pitt.edu )