Jiro Sakata

Jiro Sakata, the handsome, sweet boy of Keiko Sakata and Matt Braught, passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. at the VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Fishers. Indiana. 

Jiro was born in Alabama and became a part of Keiko’s life Easter of 2014, and they have been inseparable ever since. 

 Jiro was a gentle, loving soul. Keiko described Jiro’s personality as “mellow and a bit of a wimp.” When he would play-fight with his sister, Teru, Jiro was the first one to lay down. As wimpy as he could be at times, he thought he was still a great hunter, having caught one mouse at a relative’s house. He had to proudly bring his catch to show his mama, Keiko. Keiko shared what she loved the most about Jiro was his beautiful long hair and big round eyes. 

When asked if there were any favorite memories of Jiro that came to mind, Keiko relayed that when she was doing her exercises, Jiro was by her side, showing his support, like her very own personal trainer; he was always on her exercise mat when she was working out.

Keiko shared that Jiro’s favorite toy was his circular ball tracker and that it definitely kept him occupied, relaying that he would “lay and play with it forever.” 

Jiro enjoyed being outdoors and soaking up the sunshine. He loved the feeling of the gentle breeze blowing through his fur and nibbling on the blades of grass. 

Jiro enjoyed having his fur brushed. Like most cats, he didn’t care for water or taking a bath himself. He liked to hang out in the bathroom while Keiko soaked in a bathtub. As far as grooming, his sister would hold him down and groom him from time to time. 

 Even though he didn’t like water, Keiko shared something funny Jiro used to do. Rather than drink from his water bowl, he would sometimes put his paw in a glass filled with water and lick the water from his paw to drink. That went well with Jiro’s favorite treats, which were Chicken Flavored Temptations. 

Jiro was not a fan of car rides, but being the well-behaved boy that he was, he would try and make the best of it. He and his sister made trips from Indiana to Alabama three times.

What Keiko felt Jiro valued the most in life was showing love and affection by “snuggling and kneading.”

Jiro was also lovingly referred to as “Jiro-Chan.” He had a big heart and loved Keiko so very much. But according to Keiko, over time Jiro developed a bond with Matt, and Keiko said he was very attached to him. Keiko shared, “He loved Matt and made me jealous.”

Keiko and Matt are heartbroken by the loss of their beloved Jiro. His sweet demeanor will forever remain in their hearts. Jiro is also survived by his fur sibling, Teru, who was from the same litter as Jiro and is missing him immensely. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Jiro Sakata.

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