Special Contributor: Mocha (モカ)

The "Mocha" character from Kona's Big Adventure and The Journey I Live was inspired by a real-life cat that the author of those two stories, Rika Nakajima, adopted as a kitten in 2010 (along with the real-life Kona). She brightened the life of Rika, as well as several members of the Satori Reader team who had the opportunity to meet her during informal gatherings.

Just like in the stories, Mocha was extremely food-motivated. The sound of a can of tuna opening would bring her running from any part of the house, and sometimes she would eat with such vigor that the breath coming out of her nose would blow small bits of food off her dish.

Also like the fictional character, Mocha could be aloof in her relationships with other cats, rebuffing their efforts to play with her, which she seemed to interpret as attacks. She also seemed not to know quite what to do after catching the toy or capturing the box. ("So, do I just sit here now?")

But she had an affectionate side too. She would often sit by the windowside and "help" Rika work, and sometimes when her mood was just right, she would sit on a human lap for a Saturday reading session.

Mocha was diagnosed with a feline cancer in early 2019 and died in March of that year. We will all remember and miss this quirky kitty. (In Memoriam, Mocha, 2010-2019)