TV-Series
Description
Jūrō is a young cat and a central figure in Yomawari Neko, known primarily as the companion of the main character, Heizō Endō. Visually, Jūrō is a small kitten distinguished by the loss of one eye, a physical trait that marks him from his earliest moments. His background is tied to a formative event one year before the main storyline, when Endō discovered him as a newborn kitten being attacked by crows. At that time, the crows had already pecked out one of his eyes. A stray cat, also named Jūrō, advised Endō that the injured kitten would not survive and should be left behind, but Endō chose to rescue him instead.

In terms of personality, Jūrō does not speak frequently, but his actions reveal a quiet, determined, and courageous nature. He displays a dignified stubbornness that mirrors Endō's own tendencies. On one occasion, when Endō offered him a can of cat food, Jūrō refused it, claiming he was not hungry, which led Endō to carry the can on his head as an emergency ration. This exchange highlights a mutual, unspoken understanding between the two. Jūrō is also protective, showing a fierce loyalty to Endō despite his small size and youth.

Jūrō's primary role in the story is as Endō's partner. Endō wanders the streets at night, calling out to those who are secretly suffering, and Jūrō accompanies him on these patrols. However, Jūrō is more than just a passive follower. His motivations are rooted in a need to protect his territory and his guardian. When other stray cats learned that Endō had taken in a kitten and saw it as an opportunity to challenge for control of the area, it was Jūrō who intervened. He confronted the aggressors, declaring that any cat who wished to fight should face him in a mortal battle. This bold threat caused the other cats to retreat in fear, solidifying Jūrō as a formidable protector despite his disadvantaged start.

Jūrō's key relationships center almost entirely on Heizō Endō. Their bond is one of mutual rescue and respect. Endō saved Jūrō's life, and Jūrō, in turn, defends Endō's honor and safety. The fledgling stray cat named Timo, a cheerful and energetic cat with a missing front paw, represents a peer relationship, but the narrative focus remains firmly on the dynamic between Jūrō and Endō. Regarding his development, Jūrō transitions from a helpless, injured newborn predicted to die, to a confident young cat capable of staring down adult strays and defending his home. This growth is a direct result of Endō's care, but it is also driven by his own inner strength. Jūrō's notable abilities are not supernatural; they lie in his sheer force of will and his intimidating presence when provoked. He commands respect from other animals not through size or physical power, but through an unyielding readiness to face any threat head-on.