New Stars at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens! Pallas's Cat Kittens Named 'Nobu, Hide, Yasu'

The nicknames for the three Pallas's cat kittens born at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, have recently been decided as "Nobu, Hide, Yasu," drawing significant attention. These names are inspired by the "Three Great Unifiers" – Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu – figures closely associated with Nagoya, and have been met with congratulations from many visitors and animal fans.

The nicknames were chosen through a public vote, with "Nobu, Hide, Yasu" receiving nearly 6,300 votes out of over 14,000 total submissions. This marks the first birth of Pallas's cat kittens at Higashiyama Zoo in over 20 years. Their birth and naming are drawing attention as the result of a "relay of life" made possible by the extraordinary efforts of their mother "Minya," father "El," and the dedicated zookeepers.

On social media, numerous messages of joy and anticipation have been posted, such as "So cute! I want to visit Higashiyama Zoo again!", "Nobu, Hide, Yasu, okay, okay! Let's go see them again!", and "Please grow big and strong safely!" Many people seem to be eagerly looking forward to meeting these adorable Pallas's cats, named after the unique and great historical figures.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a historic facility opened in 1937, entertains visitors with many popular animals besides the Pallas's cats, including "Shabani," the "handsome gorilla," "Fubuki" the polar bear, and Japanese macaques "Wasabi," "Kohada," and "Maki." Animal naming reflecting Nagoya's regional character has been observed before, with animals like the gorilla "Kiyomasa" and the gibbon "Keiji" also bearing names associated with warlords. The naming of these Pallas's cats can also be seen as a demonstration of affection for the region and respect for its history.

"Nobu, Hide, Yasu" carry the hope that they will become as widely known across the country as the warlords. It is expected that they will grow up healthy and bring smiles to many people as new popular attractions at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

The Context

The names "Nobu, Hide, Yasu" refer to Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, collectively known as the "Three Great Unifiers" (三英傑, San-eiketsu) of Japan. These three pivotal figures lived during the Sengoku period (15th-17th centuries) and are credited with bringing an end to the prolonged civil wars and unifying Japan. All three have strong historical ties to the Aichi Prefecture, where Nagoya City (home to Higashiyama Zoo) is located. Oda Nobunaga, often considered the first of the unifiers, was born in Owari Province (present-day Aichi). Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's loyal general, rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful ruler. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ultimately completed the unification and established the Tokugawa Shogunate, was also born in Mikawa Province (part of present-day Aichi). Their legacies are deeply ingrained in the local culture and history, making their names a popular choice for local landmarks, festivals, and now, even zoo animals.

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