National Cat Day

February 22nd is National Cat Day, Neko no Hi (猫の日), in Japan and has been since 1987, when the Executive Cat Day Committee chose the date. The date 2-22 can be pronounced ni-ni-ni which is close to the Japanese onomatopoeia nyan-nyan-nyan which reflects the sounds of a cat’s meow in Japan. 

During the day people tend to shop for specially themed goods, such as the tote day from the international food store Kaldi, or even visit temples to wish for the health and happiness of their beloved pets. One such temple is the Neko Jinja in Kagoshima. I have yet to go there, but it is on the list. 

Not to be left out of the fun, convenience stores like Family Mart and 7-11 sell character goods with the loveable cats by mofusand on them. These treats can range from iced coffees in which the lips are shaped with cat ears. Another special product is a chocolate cake that is set inside a ceramic mug. Don’t worry the cake is in a recyclable plastic container. 

Of course, there are other ways to celebrate this fun holiday. If you don’t have the company of one of the fluffy companions to keep you company there is always a cat cafe. These popular places with allow guests to mingle with the fun and sometimes aloof personalities. 

If you have the time Nippori is a wonderful place to visit as one can make their own maneki-neko (招き猫). Or even buy a Katori neko (かとり猫) a mosquito-removing cat that would be used to ward off mosquitos during the summer. 

More on Nippori and Cat Town at a later date.