Why is Nyanko-sensei a round, chubby cat?


Nyanko-sensei is supposedly a very [powerful
youkai](https://i.stack.imgur.com/tiSsP.jpg) named "Madara," but he takes the
form of a round, chubby cat.

What is the significance of this form? Did he purposely choose this
appearance? Why/Why not?

Why does Takashi call Madara by the name "Nyanko-sensei?"

![:3](https://i.stack.imgur.com/NTTTK.jpg)




**What is the significance of this form?**

> It's not simply a round, chubby cat, it's a Maneki-neko (lit. beckoning
> cat). Maneki-neko is a common figurine in Japan. Shops have it displayed to
> beckons customers and wish bringing more fortune in.

**Did he purposely choose this appearance?**

> Yes and No. Nyankon-sensei was sealed in Maneki-neko for a long time before
> Takashi release it by accident, it ordinary takes on the shape and just be
> that way. Ordinary people can see it when it is in the Maneki-neko form but
> not in the original Madara form. Still, we don't know if Nyankon-sensei like
> its form so much or on other purposes.

**Why does Takashi call Madara by the name "Nyanko-sensei?"**

> Nyankon-sensei requests Takashi to call him sensei and as an exchange, it
> becomes his bodyguard.

Wikipedia actually has a well-written
[article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsume%27s_Book_of_Friends) about the
anime & manga including characters background, in case you want more details.




**What is the significance of this form?**

> It's not simply a round, chubby cat, it's a Maneki-neko (lit. beckoning
> cat). Maneki-neko is a common figurine in Japan. Shops have it displayed to
> beckons customers and wish bringing more fortune in.

**Did he purposely choose this appearance?**

> Yes and No. Nyankon-sensei was sealed in Maneki-neko for a long time before
> Takashi release it by accident, it ordinary takes on the shape and just be
> that way. Ordinary people can see it when it is in the Maneki-neko form but
> not in the original Madara form. Still, we don't know if Nyankon-sensei like
> its form so much or on other purposes.

**Why does Takashi call Madara by the name "Nyanko-sensei?"**

> Nyankon-sensei requests Takashi to call him sensei and as an exchange, it
> becomes his bodyguard.

Wikipedia actually has a well-written
[article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsume%27s_Book_of_Friends) about the
anime & manga including characters background, in case you want more details.

