Cats are beloved in Japan, as they have been for thousands of years. From old mythological tales of feline yokai like the smart shape-shifting bakeneko to the Hello Kitties and lucky maneki-nekos of ...

DEAR PET TALK: I love cats and I love animé. What Japanese names do you suggest for a cat? -HELLO KITTY DEAR HELLO KITTY: Well, you’ve just named the most famous, the most global Japanese cat name ...

Maneki-neko, translated as beckoning cat but also known as lucky cat or welcome cat, is recognisable internationally, often found behind cash registers of restaurants and retail outlets – and also in ...

She’s arguably one of Japan’s best-loved creations. She’s had a varied career: animated television star, former Japanese tourism ambassador, and two-time visitor to the international space station.

From magical companions to mischievous tricksters, cats in anime have become cultural icons that blend cuteness, mystery, and emotional depth. Japan’s long-standing love affair with felines has shaped ...

Japan's obsessive love of cats isn’t anything new for the island nation of 127 million people—but with International Cat Day being celebrated today, August 8, there’s no better time to explore it. The ...

Japan loves cats. A quick glance at anything related to Japanese pop culture will show you this: Hello Kitty. Cat cafes. Wearable electronic cat ears that respond to your emotional state. Massively ...