Why do Japanese love cats so much?

Can you tell me why the Japanese seem to have such a strong affection for cats? Is it rooted in cultural traditions, or is there a deeper psychological reason behind it? Do they have a special breed of cats that are particularly endearing, or is it just the way they treat and care for their feline companions that sets them apart? I'd love to know more about the origins of this fascination and what makes the Japanese-cat bond so unique.