“The Teachings of Rats: Learning About Rats Helps You Understand Humans!”

Until I entered university, I was a child devoted entirely to insects. I passed through the university gates hoping to contribute to the popularity of insects—which can hardly be said to have won over the masses—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 to analyze differences in gene expression, phenotypes, and behavior by feeding insect-derived proteins to mice (house mice). Encountering rats as experimental animals was the catalyst, and now I am immersed up to my shoulders in the world of rats. I likely won't be able to escape this fascination in the future.

Rats belong to the group boasting the largest variety of mammals and are the undisputed 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, emotional, and full of energy.

It is not just my bias toward rats that makes me see them this way. Numerous studies have proven that rats are emotional and compassionate animals. For example, excluding apes, rats are currently the only animals known to emit laughter. It has been discovered that rats make high-frequency sounds inaudible to humans when they are 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 the rat's charm. This is because it serves as evidence confirming that the negative emotions present in humans are also a weapon for survival. Humans conduct research to know themselves through rats. This book is a collection of essays 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 sole motivation for writing this book was to contribute to the popularity of rats, which can hardly be said to have won over the masses. As a rat geek, I could not be happier if the extraordinary charm of these small neighbors is conveyed.

“The Teachings of Rats: Learning About Rats Helps You Understand Humans!”

Kawori Shinohara

Tokuma Shoten

208 pages, 1,500 yen (excluding tax)

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