In Japan, National Cat Day is celebrated on February 22. If you are a cat lover, you will enjoy coming to Japan this time of the Year.
Why is Feb 22 Cat day?
In Japan, cat do not “meow” but “nyan” or “nyao”. And as 2 is pronounced NI (like knee) in Japanese, February 22 is 2/22 (Knee-Knee-Knee) and sounds like cat meow. (nya nya nya)
Many places have special cat related events or sell special cat themed merchandises. For example, a cafe in Tokyo offers special cat shaped french toast and cafe latte with cat paw pattern.
Cat Day Events in Tokyo area
From huge cat trade show in Tokyo Big Sight to Neko Matsuri (Cat Festival) in Yushima, Tokyo
Art Aquarium Museum Ginza (Mitsukoshi Department, Ginza)
There is an exhibition of cat themed Ukiyoe (wood block painting) in Art Aquarium Museum in Mitsukoshi (9F) Ginza (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G09, Marunouchi Line M16 and Hibiya Line H09) until Feb 26. https://artaquarium.jp/news/detail/202502134329/
Lovely Nyan Festa in Tokyo 2025 (Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake)
Huge festa is held in Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake on Feb 23 and 24, 2025. There is a market with cat motif goods. There are accessaries, interiors and stationery. There are also booth that shows on latest cat foods and cat care products. There is cat show as well. Limited number of Same Day Tickets (2,000 yen) are available at the door but may sell out early. Tokyo Big Sight Access Rinkai Line Approx. 7 minutes’ walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station / Yurikamome Approx. 3 minutes’ walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station
Nyan-derful Festival 2025 in Tokyo (Ginza)
Feb 21-24 in Ginza (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G09, Marunouchi Line M16 and Hibiya Line H09) , Tokyo. You will be able to see cat furnitures, cat towers and cat related items.They also have cat goods, sweets etc. Admission Free. 2-10-18, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Chusho Kigyo Kaikan Event Hall)
Neko Matsuri (Cat Festival) at Yushima
Area close to Yushima (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line C13), Hongo Sanchome (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line M21 or Toei Oedo Line E08) , Suehirocho (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G14) and Ochanomizu (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line M20 or JR Chuo Line JC03). The Festival will be held from Feb 19-Mar 15. There will be food stall, goods shop, cafe with cats from shelter, book stores etc. Many shops close on Mondays so avoid Monday.
Nyaforet (Laforet, Harajuku)
La Foret Harajuku will be jacked with cats! Cat themed items are available at B0.5F. https://www.laforet.ne.jp/news_events/2995 Closest station is Tokyo Metro Meiji Jingu Mae Station (Chiyoda Line C03 or Fukutoshin Line F15) but also walking distance from JR Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line JY19)
NyART FESTIVAL 2025 (Harakado, Harajuku)
Harakado in Harajuku will host NyART FESTIVAL 2025. The festival will also help animal welfare. Part of the profit will be donated to Animal Welfare Association. Harakado is close to Laforet. (Meiji Jingu Mae Station or Harajuku Station)
Special Cat Merchandise
You will find some cat shaped sweets at shops. For example, I found cat themed sweets at a supermarket and Seven Eleven today.
Puddhing in shape of cat paw 🙂 Nyameraka (Nameraka = Smooth)
Cat Mont Blanc sweets (Neko Mont Bu Nyan)
Sweets with Cats illustrations — Brownie in cat shape is called “Brownyah”
Financier cake (Cake made with Financier dough — French Butter Cake）is called “Finyanko Cake” (We often call cats “nyanko”)
Cat paw shaped sweets at Seven Eleven
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