I've been photographing my grandfather, Jiji, since I had no clue how to use a camera. One day, 94-year-old Jiji’s life was turned upside-down by Kinako the cat.

Since the War ended, for 64 years, Jiji commuted to his office, but in 2009 he was sent to the hospital. The doctor said he was sick. The once outgoing man gradually lost his interest in life and became grumpier than ever. It was around that time that I brought Kinako to live with us.

An extraordinary friendship gradually grew between the two. Who would have thought that a timid kitten would befriend a grumpy old man! The border between human and animal melts, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji's heart.

More info: akiko-dupont.com