Rudolf the Black Cat

Rudolf follows his mother to his grandmother's house, driven by curiosity about life beyond the doorstep. He tumbles into a fishmonger’s trailer and is knocked unconscious by a broom, waking up inside the trailer. Seizing the moment, he slips out and begins exploring the town.

In the temple’s shade, Rudolf meets Gottalot, a big friendly street cat who has earned many names from the people he’s met. Rudolf learns that Gottalot’s life as a stray complicates the idea of him being a pet. Gottalot departs after a brief, stubborn moment.

Rudolf meets Buchi, a cat who loves martial-arts poses and yells Hyah as he mimics moves. Buchi tells Rudolf that Gottalot’s nickname is the Junk Tiger and warns of a dangerous dog nearby. Buchi then offers Rudolf shelter before dashing off after a beautiful Siamese.

The trio infiltrates a classroom where books spark Rudolf’s curiosity. He begins learning to read, while Gottalot hints that writing will come next. A teacher’s TV glimpse of their hometown deepens Rudolf’s longing to go home.

Rudolf, overwhelmed by his longing, climbs a truck bound for Gifu but discovers it’s a freezer truck. Gottalot and Buchi chase after him and pull him free, sparing him from freezing to death. Gottalot admonishes him for taking such risks.

A poster about a tour bus to Gifu appears with a schedule: November 10 at 6:30 AM. Buchi is enticed by a Scottish Fold named Misha, introducing a budding romance. The group weighs a chance to revisit Rudolf’s home region.

In a later encounter, Devil injures Gottalot, forcing Rudolf to seek help from their schoolteacher. The teacher reassures the group that Gottalot will recover, and the bond between Rudolf and Gottalot grows stronger. Rudolf’s protective actions cement his role within their circle.

The tour bus has already left, and Rudolf realizes Gottalot will not be returning to Gifu. They bid each other a heavy farewell as months pass and Gottalot recovers physically but grows withdrawn. Rudolf resolves to keep learning and stay connected.

With spring, Buchi and Misha start dating, and Devil grows calmer after their fight. Gottalot teaches Rudolf to read license plates and decipher Chinese text, broadening their view of the world. Gottalot’s owner plans a move to the United States, foreshadowing more change.

Rudolf rides a truck across prefectures, faces a flat tire, and finally returns to Tokyo. There he meets a younger black kitten who had lived in the house a year after Rudolf disappeared. Knowing there could be two cats in the home, Rudolf makes the painful choice to stay in Tokyo alone.

Back in Tokyo, Rudolf reconnects with Buchi and Misha and reunites with Gottalot, who explains his owner has returned from the United States. Life begins to settle into a new rhythm for the group and their companions. A sense of hopeful continuity fills their days.

That night, Rudolf—now renamed Crow—shares a dinner with a small circle of stray cats, joined by Gottalot, Buchi, Misha, and Devil, who can swim. They look up at the open night sky and imagine a future shaped by friendship, curiosity, and the road they’ve traveled together.