Story guide

Hachiware reads a book about ancient Egypt while Chiikawa peers at the pages beside them. After a page about pyramids, they reach an illustration of a Sphinx and look closely at the combination of a yellow-brown body and a human face, excitedly realizing that the Sphinx seems related to cats. Chiikawa takes the open book and reads further, mentally placing the reclining Sphinx beside Hachiware lying prone in the same direction. As Chiikawa grows more certain they look alike, Hachiware actually brings their front paws together and lies down on the floor to copy the illustration. The short piece moves naturally from reading to imitation.

Cultural and language noteThe Sphinx is an ancient Egyptian monument known for a human head and a lion's body. Here, its resemblance to a cat lying prone becomes the basis of play.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware look up at a large Sphinx lying before them. Hachiware is delighted that the form they had just learned about in a book is actually here, and the two approach while repeating the Sphinx's name. Hachiware suggests trying to speak to them, but Chiikawa is unsure how to approach them. The Sphinx then raises their upper body and walks right up to them. Hachiware takes this as a response, and they watch beside Chiikawa. At the end, the Sphinx brings their front paws together and raises their hips in an unusual pose, while the two small figures observe the change at their feet.

Cultural and language noteA typical Sphinx statue is known for lying down with its front paws extended. Here, the statue moves and unexpectedly raises the statue's hips like a cat.