"The Teachings of Rats: Learn about Rats and You'll Understand Humans!"

2020/07/22

Until I entered university, I was a child devoted entirely to insects. I entered university wanting to contribute to the popularity of insects—which can hardly be said to have won over the general public—by opening up new possibilities for them.

During my undergraduate years, I conducted research on insect-based foods, which were a trend at the time. That was where I encountered rats. It was an experiment where I fed insect-derived protein to mice (house mice) and analyzed the differences in gene expression, phenotype, and behavior. Encountering rats as experimental animals led me to become completely immersed in the world of rats. I likely won't be able to escape this fascination in the future.

Rats and mice belong to the group boasting the largest number of species among mammals and are the well-known kings of experimental animals. The most common experimental animals are small mice, followed by rats (brown rats). These rats are incredibly adorable creatures; perhaps their cuteness can be conveyed by saying their personality is somewhere between a kitten and a puppy. They are affectionate, expressive, and full of energy.

It's not just my bias toward rats that makes me see them this way. Many studies have proven that rats are expressive and compassionate animals. For example, aside from apes, rats are currently the only animals known to make laughing sounds. It has been found that rats emit high-frequency sounds inaudible to humans when playing or being petted. There are also studies showing that they do not abandon their companions. While they show such good character, it is also known that they possess feelings of envy and jealousy.

However, that is the very essence of their charm. This is because it serves as evidence that the negative emotions present in humans are also a weapon for survival. Humans conduct research to know themselves through rats. This book is an essay that considers humanity through the lens of these rats. I wrote it by gathering materials to convey the charm of rats, ranging from the latest scientific research to ancient literature. My motive for writing this book was simple: to contribute to the popularity of rats, which can hardly be said to have won over the general public. As a rat geek, nothing would make me happier than to convey the extraordinary charm of these small neighbors.

"The Teachings of Rats: Learn about Rats and You'll Understand Humans!"

Kawori Shinohara

Tokuma Shoten

208 pages, 1,500 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.