Masahiro Sakurai's Heartbreaking Decision: Bringing Ailing Cat Fukurashi Home Amidst Overwhelming Support

Game creator Masahiro Sakurai announced on February 3rd via his X (formerly Twitter) account that he had brought his beloved cat, Fukurashi, home from the hospital. Fukurashi's condition had severely deteriorated over the past week, suffering from multiple serious ailments including pleural effusion, heart failure, kidney failure, and cystitis. Sakurai explained that due to the difficult situation where treatments for each condition could potentially worsen others, leaving no viable medical options, he made the painful decision to provide hospice care for Fukurashi at home.

In response to Sakurai's post, numerous users on social media sent heartfelt messages. Many expressed wishes for Fukurashi to spend her remaining time peacefully, saying things like, "May Fukurashi-san's heart at least be at peace," and "Live with Sakurai-san for as long as possible." There were also many comments emphasizing the importance of home care, such as, "Choosing to provide hospice care at home will surely be the kindest time for Fukurashi-chan," and "The familiar scent of home and being by your beloved owner's side will be the best 'medicine'."

Users who had recently lost their own beloved cats shared their experiences with pets suffering from heart disease and pleural effusion, offering practical advice like the use of oxygen chambers. Furthermore, users whose dogs had suffered from similar symptoms in the past sent messages of empathy, saying, "Please cherish the remaining time you have together."

Comments also included expressions of concern for Fukurashi's well-being, such as, "Fukurashi-chan is so cute~. You're doing great, keep going~. Please rest peacefully at home!" and "Her face doesn't look like she's in pain, and her body looks fluffy, not emaciated from the photos, which is a relief."

The bond between Sakurai and Fukurashi, coupled with widespread empathy for pet owners facing similar difficult situations, has created a wave of warm wishes on social media for Fukurashi to spend her final moments peacefully at home.

The context

Masahiro Sakurai is a highly renowned Japanese video game director, designer, and producer, best known as the creator of the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. series. He is a prominent figure in the gaming industry, and his personal life, including his pets, often garners significant attention from his large fan base both in Japan and internationally. His candid posts about his pet's health resonate deeply with many, reflecting a shared experience of pet ownership and the emotional challenges that come with an animal's illness. The outpouring of support highlights the strong connection between celebrities and their fans in Japan, where public figures often share aspects of their daily lives, including their beloved animal companions.