Since his cat Tama passed away in 2014, Japanese graphic designer and illustrator Tadanori Yokoo has drawn 91 pieces of his beloved feline companion. Those pieces have been compiled into a new art book entitled Tama, Kaetteoide (“Come Home, Tama”).
Tama was a famous cat amongst fans of Tadanori Yokoo, who would feature him on his Twitter page and blog from time to time. Yokoo’s love for Tama was also well-known amongst his followers. Tama was a stray cat and appeared in Yokoo’s garden. In the 15 years Yokoo took care of him, Tama’s affection warmed the hearts of both the artist and his family of fans.
The 91 pieces that Yokoo created of Tama since his passing were originally never going to be seen by anyone. But this year, on the seventh anniversary of Tama’s death, Yokoo has decided to publish them.
Tama, Kaetteoide – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)
The collection features not only art pieces, but diary and written entries too that Yokoo occasionally wrote about Tama. Yokoo’s Twitter page become a diary for the artist, where he expressed his sadness and loneliness after losing his cat, which has received much attention with his followers. The book includes the diary entries from when Tama was alive to his death and up to 2018.
Editor’s Comment
When Yokoo met with Yoko Ono, he said of his work, “I didn’t draw this as artーI drew it as a love letter to my cat,” to which she responded, “And that’s exactly why it’s art.” I too believe that if a piece of art moves a person’s heart, then that in itself makes it art. Featured in this book are many of Yokoo’s diary and written entries about his beloved Tama. But it also begs the question to people what is love, what is life, and what is death? It’s a treasured illustrated collection for people, and above all one you can’t help adoring. I believe this book will add something to the lives of every art fan, of every cat lover, and every person who kindly buys themselves a copy.”
An exhibition showcasing all of the illustrations in the book is set to take place at Nishimura Gallery in the near future. The exhibition has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, but you can check the gallery’s official website for when the event will next be rescheduled.
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Felissimo’s small-scale urban winery f winery is teaming up with Cat Club! From August 11 until September 25, guests can enjoy three original wines, chocolates, bread, and other unique merchandise featuring everyone’s favorite kitties. This is the first collaboration between the portside winery and the popular cat collection.
Collaboration Products
Brown-and-White Sailor Cat (Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot)
Tuxedo Sailor Cat (Sauvignon Blanc)
Grey Tabby Passenger Cat (Japanese Muscat Berry A)
Orange and Bitter Chocolate / Coffee and Bitter Chocolate / Matcha Chocolate
Collab Menu
Chocolate Plate with Wine (Example)
Blue Sky White Wine Jelly / Morning Sunrise Orange Jelly / Evening Sunset Red Wine Jelly
Chocolate Latte / Tea Latte / Tea Soda
The collaborative menu with Cat Club Parlor includes a wine set and a lineup of non-alcoholic drinks that everyone can enjoy. The original label wines will be available on the Felissimo website starting August 18, and one percent of the proceeds will be donated to the company’s foundation supporting dogs and cats and helping them to find foster homes, as well to prevent cat overpopulation.
Be sure to check out these adorable products–they’ll make great gifts!
Information
f winery x Cat’s Club
Running: August 11 – September 25, 2022
Sales begin August 18 https://feli.jp/s/pr2208122/1/
Official Site: https://www.felissimo.co.jp/
-
Matsuzaki Shoten will hold a special collaboration event between Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei and Cat’s ISSUE starting on August 6, 2022. The Cat’s Festival 2022 will be an incredible event for cat lovers, and guests will be able to grab some special hand towels and bowls produced exclusively for the festival. In addition, there will be an exhibition of works by Ayako Ishiguro, a picture book artist associated with Cat’s ISSUE.
Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei x Cat’s ISSUE
This Japanese-style hand towel features illustrations of unique cats based on the concept color of Matsuzaki Shoten, the main Matsuzaki Senbei shop in Ginza.
Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei x Cat’s ISSUE
Matsuzaki Senbei’s flagship product has been decorated with cat illustrations, each painted by hand. During the event, customers can choose four of their favorite pieces from a total of nine different patterns and pack them in a box wrapped with beautiful paper with a special design. Guests can also purchase these goods separately.
Collaboration with Ayako Ishiguro, a Picture Book Artist Specializing in Monster Art
This comical cat scroll created by Ayako Ishiguro will be on display during the exhibition. Hand towels made in collaboration with Ishiguro will also be on sale. These have previously been sold to huge fanfare.
If you love cats and classic Japanese art, this is the event for you!
Information
MATSUZAKI Cat’s ISSUE – Cat Festival 2022
Running: August 6 – August 21, 2022
Venue: Matsuzaki Shoten (4-13-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Details: https://cats-issue.com/ -
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if cats could talk? Anthropomorphization is when a non-human creature is depicted in a way that imitates humans.
The Moshimo Neko Exhibition, which focuses on anthropomorphic cat artworks by the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, will be held at the Nagoya City Museum from July 2 to August 21, 2022.
Popular Cat’s Juggling Act – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)
New Cat’s Balancing Act – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)
Piece from Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)
This exhibition presents 135 works featuring humanized cats, with a focus on the fun of Edo-era anthropomorphic expression centered on the works of Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Those who love cats and ukiyo-e will be in heaven here, and these charming cats are sure to make you giggle.
From around 1841, the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi released numerous works featuring anthropomorphized cats and portraying actors as cats.
The Hazy Moon Cat’s Writings – Kyozan Santo・Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)
Popular Cats in a Noh Play – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)
Guests can also take part in a quiz to more deeply understand the works found in the exhibition and an AR component will make it seem like the cats are jumping out of the paintings.
Information
Moshimo Neko Ten (What If We Were Cats Exhibition)
Running: July 2 – August 21, 2022
Venue: Nagoya City Museum
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Closed July 4, 11, 19, 25, 26 / August 1, 8
Official Site: https://www.ctv.co.jp/nekoten/
-
Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.
Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)
Menu
Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate
Grilled Vegetable Curry
Nyanko Burger
Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta
Taiyaki
Nyanko Parfait
Black Cat Pancake
Nyan Lime Nata de Coco
Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float
Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea
Merchandise
Sticker
Clear Folder
All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork!
©mofusand
Information
mofusand cafe
Venue/Dates:
TokyoBOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord #2
May 19 – July 10, 2022
Shinjuku Mylord 7F (1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Osakakawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi
May 26 – June 19, 2022
Shinsaibashi Opa 9F (1-4-3 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka)Reservations / Official Site: https://mofusand-cafe.jp
mofusand cafe Official Twitter: @mofusand_cafe -
The sweets shop Patisserie Pinede will be offering the Yummy Kitty Cat Mille-feuille from March 18 until March 22, 2022!
The store holds a special ‘Meow Meow’ event on the 22nd of each month. In Japanese, the word for two, ni, sounds similar to nyan, the Japanese word for meow.
The event means tons of cat-themed sweets and decorations, including a tasty strawberry mille-feuille. This includes layers of puff pastry, cream, icing, and plenty of fruit.
While it’s hard to cut into something so cute, the sweet and sour taste is the perfect way to enjoy this meow-gical holiday!
Information
Yummy Kitty Cat Mille-feuille
Available: March 18 – March 22, 2022Location: Patisserie Pinede
Official Site: https://pinede.co.jp
-
Mitsukoshi Fukuoka has opened a new exhibition dedicated to the many lovable dogs and cats found in Disney films! The event is taking place at the Mitsukoshi Gallery on the 9th floor until March 27, 2022.
The Disney film Bambi aimed to take on the difficult task of portraying animals realistically. Animals were kept in the studio and artists studied their movements and expressions while creating the film. Audiences were stunned, and since that point, more and more beloved animals have appeared in Disney films. The Disney Cats & Dogs exhibition will also show the evolution and innovation of Disney’s animal animation and the history of the trial and error process in bringing them to life.
Pluto
Lady and the Tramp
101 Dalmatians
Cheshire Cat
Mochi
Marie
Photo Spot
The lineup will include Mickey’s sidekick Pluto, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, The Arisocats, and more. Figaro from Pinocchio, Lucifer from Cinderella, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, and Mochi from Big Hero 6 will also be appearing!
The exhibition will feature over 300 digitized works of rare art along with dioramas and more materials related to the creation of Disney films. Fans shouldn’t miss this opportunity to see these behind-the-scenes items!
©Disney
Information
Disney Cats & Dogs Exhibition
Running: March 9 – March 27, 2022
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Closing at 18:00 on March 27 / Admission permitted until 1 hour prior to closing)
Location: Mitsukoshi Fukuoka 9F ‘Mitsukoshi Gallery’Tickets: https://l-tike.com/catsdogs-fuk
Details: https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/mitsukoshi/event_calendar/catsanddogs2022.html -
Tohouen, a Japanese confectionary maker in Gifu Prefecture, has begun selling a springtime version of its popular cat-inspired manju. Inspired by the many cats that like to stroll around the shop’s headquarters, the new release includes cherry blossom-colored cat paws.
A traditional sweet in Japan, Manju is made from flour, rice powder, and buckwheat, with a tasty sugar and anko (red bean paste) filling.
Do you think these are too cute to eat?
Information
Cherry Blossom Cat
Release Date: March 2, 2022
Where to Buy: Tohouen Stores, Tohouen Online Shop
-
A number of Kiddyland stores, including those in Harajuku and Osaka Umeda, will hold a limited-time event featuring Kanahei’s popular character Ne-Ne-Neko from February 19 until March 27, 2022.
Purchase Bonus
Kittyland Exclusive Goods
This will be the first time the event has been held in two years, and fans of the adorable characters can pick up some limited-time merch! Fan-favorites Piske and Usagi will make appearances as well.
©kanahei / TXCOM
Information
Kanahei’s Relaxing Cat Festival Fair
Running: February 19 – March 27, 2022
Locations:Kanahei Store, Osaka Umeda
Kiddyland Harajuku, Ikebukuro Sunshine City, Kami-Otai Store, Shijo Kawaramachi, Fukuoka PARCO, TV Tokyo ShopDetails: https://www.kiddyland.co.jp/event/202202kanahei_nekomatsuri/
-
Romantic Taisho-style cafe Akihabara Nagomido and Felissimo’s Nekobe, a company that loves all things to do with cats, are teaming up for a collaboration cafe! Open until March 20, guests will be greeted at the door by an original cat illustration by Arisa Shimoda, a popular illustrator for Nekobe. Enjoy a special photo spot and a collaboration coffee shop menu complete with cat-themed dishes. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale at the goods corner and online, and 1% of all proceeds will be donated to a charity finding forever homes for cats and dogs.
Collaboration Menu
Swordfish Tuna Steak Cutlet
Catwalk Tiramisu
Hide and Seek with Fluffy Cream! Mini Cat Parfait
Flying Fish?! Kitty Soda
Cafe Latte with Cat Design
Yoshino-chan’s Anmitsu with Marshmallows
Akihabara Nagomido Limited-Edition Collaboration Merchandise
Chocolate Rusk
Sweets in Tin
Sugar Cats
Japanese-style Marshmallow
Yoshino-chan, a tortoiseshell cat wearing a lovely kimono against a backdrop of Taisho-era stained glass, was created by Arisa Shimoda, a well-known illustrator.
Which of these dishes would you order?
Information
Akihabara Nagomido x Nekobu Parlor
Running until March 20, 2022
Open 24 HoursFood Available from 11:00 – 20:00 (Last Food Order at 19:00 / Last Drink Order at 19:30) *Seating limited to 90 minutes when busy.
Address: Akihabara Nagomido, Sakai Suehiro Building B1F (6-14-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://nagomi-cafe.com/ -
Kiddy Land will start selling a new series of Disney cat-themed merchandise! These will be on sale at 10 Disney Avenue locations nationwide and 17 Kiddy Land locations starting February 19, 2022.
Goods
Every year in Japan, February 22 is ‘Cat Day.’ This makes this month the perfect time for a cat collaboration, and fans of Gideon from Pinocchio, Lucifer from Cinderella, and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland are in for a treat!
Which Disney cat is your favorite?
©Disney
Information
Kiddy Land x Disney
Release Date: February 19, 2022
Details: https://www.kiddyland.co.jp/event/disney_catsday20220222/ -
Preorders are now open for NECOREPA’s new ‘POCKET NECO BASKET.’ All proceeds will go towards saving the lives of shelter cats and will be used to support shelter activities.
Calico
Polka Dot Calico
The NECO BASKET series has been very popular, and cat lovers have been eager to support this good cause. Over 3,000 bags have been sold to date. This is the only bag in the world made by cat lovers, for cat lovers, and for cats.
Each bag is made of thick genuine leather carefully sewn together by a Japanese craftsman. With such a sturdy design, these are perfect as a fashion accessory and for daily use!
Information
POCKET NECO BASKET
Preorders Open
Details: https://bit.ly/3E5C05q
Available Stores:
STORES https://bit.ly/3E5C05q
Rakuten https://bit.ly/3q85Mll
Yahoo! https://bit.ly/32eGhGs
Official Site: https://www.neco-republic.jp
-
Gorogoro Nyansuke, a popular character featured on LINE stickers, will get his own cafe in Ikebukuro for a limited time! The nabe (hot-pot) party-themed location will be open from December 2, 2021 until January 23, 2022. In Japan, it’s popular to enjoy nabe with friends and family during the winter months to warm up!
Reservation Bonus
Menu
Refreshing Lemon Nabe
Tomato Nabe
Soy Milk Nabe
Black Sesame Parfait
Dorayaki Pancakes with Japanese Sweets
Red Bean Paste Covered in Snow
Warm and Cozy Kotatsu Cake
Nyansuke Float (Melon Soda)
Nyansuke Float (Anzu Soda)
Nyansuke Float (Roasted Green Tea and Milk)
Nyansuke Sake
Cafe Latte: ¥660 (Tax Included)
Original Merchandise
Acrylic Keychain (Random, 10 varieties)
A4-size Clear Folder (Set of 2)
Mug
The adorable kitty-cat has become popular on LINE and social media and was designed by Tsumugi Murasato. Her first manga was published in October 2020 with merchandise following, and she has become more and more popular since!
© MIND WAVE INC. / GORO GORO Nyansuke ®
Information
Gorogoro Nyansuke Cafe
Running: December 2, 2021 – January 23, 2022 *Closed from December 30 – January 4
Location: BOX cafe&space Ikebukuro (1-22-8 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/goronyan_cafe
Reservations/Official Site: http://gorogoronyansuke-cafe.jp/
