Imagine waking up in Japan on February 22.

You open Instagram.

Cats.

You turn on the television.

More cats.

You walk into a convenience store.

Cat-shaped sweets!

Wait. WHAT?! 😂

What's going on?

Did cats secretly take over Japan?

Well... sort of.

Welcome to Neko no Hi (猫の日), Japan's very own Cat Day!

Every year on February 22, Japan celebrates its favourite furry companions with special products, adorable events, social media posts, and plenty of cat-themed fun.

But here's the interesting part.

Why February 22?

Why not February 20? Or March 15?

The answer has everything to do with how Japanese cats say hello.

And it's ridiculously cute.

Let's discover why.

What Is Neko no Hi (猫の日)?

Neko no Hi (猫の日) literally means "Cat Day" in Japanese.

• 猫 (Neko) = Cat
• の (No) = Of
• 日 (Hi) = Day

It's an unofficial celebration dedicated to appreciating cats and the happiness they bring to people's lives.

Every year on February 22, cat lovers across Japan celebrate with themed merchandise, special events, social media posts, and activities inspired by their feline friends.

Unlike Japan's traditional national holidays, Neko no Hi isn't a public holiday.

Nobody gets a day off work just because their cat looks adorable.

Unfortunately. 😂

But that hasn't stopped the celebration from becoming a popular occasion in Japanese culture.

And the reason for choosing February 22?

It's a wonderful example of Japanese wordplay.

Wait... Why February 22?

Here's where things get fun.

In Japanese, the number two is pronounced ni (に).

So February 22 is written as:

2/22

Or...

Ni, ni, ni!

Now, here's the connection.

In Japan, the sound a cat makes is commonly written as:

Nyan (ニャン)

That's the Japanese equivalent of "meow."

And when Japanese speakers imitate a cat's voice, they might say:

Nyan, nyan, nyan! 🐱

Notice anything?

Ni, ni, ni.

Nyan, nyan, nyan.

The sounds are similar enough to create a playful association.

That's why February 22 became Japan's Cat Day.

2/22 = Nyan Nyan Nyan!

It's a classic example of Japanese wordplay known as goroawase (語呂合わせ).

And Japan absolutely loves this kind of thing.

What Is Goroawase (語呂合わせ)?

Goroawase is a form of Japanese wordplay that uses different possible pronunciations of numbers to create words or memorable phrases.

Japanese numbers can have several readings.

For example:

• 2 (Ni) can be associated with the sound "nyan."
• 3 (San) can sometimes represent sounds such as "mi."
• 9 (Ku) can be used in words containing "ku."

By combining numbers creatively, people can invent memorable dates.

And Japan has plenty of them!

One famous example is November 22, known as Ii Fūfu no Hi (いい夫婦の日), or Good Couple Day.

The numbers 11/22 can be read playfully as ii fūfu, meaning "good couple."

Another example is November 29, sometimes celebrated as Ii Niku no Hi (いい肉の日), or Good Meat Day.

And February 22?

That's the day for cats.

Because apparently, three twos sound enough like three meows.

Honestly, that's a pretty convincing reason. 😂

When Did Japan Start Celebrating Cat Day?

Neko no Hi was established in 1987.

The date was selected through a public campaign organized by a Japanese cat-related committee in cooperation with the pet food industry.

The goal was to create a special day to appreciate cats and celebrate the happiness of living with them.

February 22 was chosen because of its playful connection to the sound nyan nyan nyan.

Over time, the celebration gained popularity.

As Japan's pet industry expanded and social media became part of everyday life, Cat Day became an increasingly visible occasion.

Today, many retailers, brands, animal welfare organizations, and cat lovers participate.

And of course, the internet has made it even bigger.

Because if there's one thing the internet loves...

It's cats.

How Does Japan Celebrate Neko no Hi?

You might be imagining an enormous cat parade.

Thousands of cats marching through Tokyo.

Tiny costumes.

Little flags.

A very serious cat leading the procession.

Unfortunately, that's not quite how it works. 😂

Instead, Neko no Hi is celebrated through a variety of smaller activities.

Here are some of the most popular.

1. Cat-Themed Sweets and Food

Japan has a remarkable talent for turning ordinary food into adorable characters.

And Cat Day is the perfect excuse.

Around February 22, some bakeries, cafés, convenience stores, and confectionery brands introduce limited-edition cat-themed treats.

You might find:

• Cat-shaped cookies
• Cakes decorated with cat faces
• Paw-print chocolates
• Cat-themed doughnuts
• Desserts with little ears and whiskers

Some products are available only for a limited time.

Others become seasonal favourites that return each year.

And the packaging?

Often just as cute as the food itself.

Japan's love of adorable design, known as kawaii (かわいい), makes Cat Day a natural opportunity for creative sweets.

Imagine buying a cake shaped like a sleeping cat.

It's almost too cute to eat.

Almost.

2. Special Cat Merchandise

If you love cats, Japan can be a dangerous place for your wallet.

Especially around February 22.

Stores may introduce limited-edition cat merchandise, including stationery, accessories, clothing, home goods, and collectibles.

Think about:

• Cat-shaped mugs
• Paw-print socks
• Cat illustrations on tote bags
• Plush toys
• Cat-themed phone accessories

Some Japanese brands also collaborate with popular cat characters or illustrators.

And because Japan has such a strong character merchandise culture, even a simple cat illustration can become a collectible product.

You went shopping for toothpaste.

You came home with three cat mugs.

It happens. 😂

3. Social Media Becomes a Cat Festival

On February 22, Japanese social media fills with cat photographs and videos.

Pet owners proudly share pictures of their cats sleeping, playing, eating, or simply looking adorable.

Popular hashtags include:

#猫の日

#にゃんにゃんにゃんの日

#ねこの日

Some brands participate by sharing cat-themed illustrations or introducing special products.

Others run photo contests or social media campaigns.

And the cats?

They have absolutely no idea they're being celebrated.

They're probably asleep.

4. Cat Cafés Join the Celebration

Japan is famous for its cat cafés, known as Neko Café (猫カフェ).

These establishments allow visitors to spend time around resident cats while relaxing in a café-like environment.

Around Cat Day, some cafés organize special promotions or themed activities.

For people who love cats but cannot keep pets at home, visiting a responsible cat café can be an enjoyable experience.

However, the cats' welfare should always come first.

A good cat café provides appropriate care, comfortable resting spaces, and opportunities for the animals to avoid unwanted attention.

After all, Cat Day should be enjoyable for cats too.

Not just humans.

5. Supporting Rescue Cats

Neko no Hi isn't only about cute merchandise.

It can also be an opportunity to raise awareness about animal welfare.

Some rescue organizations and shelters use the occasion to promote responsible pet ownership, adoption, and support for abandoned or homeless cats.

In Japan, rescued cats are often called Hogo Neko (保護猫).

• 保護 (Hogo) = Protection or rescue
• 猫 (Neko) = Cat

Some organizations hold adoption events or fundraising campaigns around Cat Day.

Others share information about the responsibilities of caring for animals.

It's a meaningful reminder that appreciating cats also means protecting their well-being.

Why Does Japan Love Cats So Much?

Here's something fascinating.

Japan's affection for cats didn't begin with the internet.

Or cat cafés.

Or even Hello Kitty.

Cats have been part of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years.

They appear in historical records, traditional artwork, literature, folklore, and religious traditions.

And some of those cats are surprisingly mysterious.

Let's explore a few.

Maneki Neko (招き猫) — Japan's Lucky Cat

You've probably seen this famous Japanese cat.

A small ceramic figure sitting upright with one paw raised.

It's called Maneki Neko (招き猫).

The name means "beckoning cat."

In Japan, the raised paw is associated with welcoming people or attracting good fortune.

You'll often see maneki neko displayed in shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Different colours and designs may have different symbolic meanings.

White is commonly associated with good fortune.

Gold is often connected with wealth.

Black may be associated with protection.

But the exact meanings vary by tradition.

One thing is certain.

Cats have been welcoming customers in Japan long before anyone invented online advertising. 😂

Bakeneko (化け猫) — Japan's Supernatural Cats

Not all Japanese cats bring good luck.

Some are downright terrifying!

In Japanese folklore, Bakeneko (化け猫) are supernatural cats believed to possess mysterious powers.

Depending on the story, they may:

• Transform into humans
• Speak human languages
• Walk on two legs
• Cause strange supernatural events

Another famous supernatural cat is the Nekomata (猫又).

Nekomata are often depicted as cats with split tails.

Some traditional stories suggest that ordinary cats can develop supernatural abilities as they grow older.

Imagine discovering that your sleepy house cat has secretly been a magical creature for years.

Actually...

That might explain a few things. 😂

Cats in Japanese Art

Cats have inspired Japanese artists for centuries.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), cats became popular subjects in woodblock prints and paintings.

One particularly famous artist was Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).

Kuniyoshi was known for his affection for cats.

His artwork often featured cats in humorous situations.

Some were dressed like humans.

Others appeared in playful visual puzzles.

He even created images where groups of cats formed Japanese characters.

In other words, Japan was making funny cat pictures long before social media existed.

And people loved them.

Is February 22 the Only Cat Day in Japan?

Not quite!

Although February 22 is Japan's best-known Cat Day, there are other cat-related observances.

One interesting example is Black Cat Appreciation Day, celebrated internationally on different dates depending on the country or organization.

Japan also has local festivals and events associated with cats.

For example, some temples and shrines have traditions connected to maneki neko or other feline figures.

And then there's an especially interesting variation of Cat Day.

February 22, 2022.

Why was that date so special?

Let's take a look.

Why Was February 22, 2022, So Special?

Remember how February 22 is written?

2/22.

Now look at this date:

2022/2/22

That's a lot of twos!

In Japan, the date attracted particular attention because of its unusual numerical pattern.

For cat lovers, it was an especially playful version of Neko no Hi.

Social media users shared cat photographs, illustrations, and messages celebrating the occasion.

Brands also introduced special promotions and products.

And here's another fun thought.

The next date with an even more dramatic collection of twos?

February 22, 2222.

That's going to be quite a Cat Day.

Although we'll probably have to leave that celebration to future generations of cat lovers. 😂

Is Neko no Hi a National Holiday in Japan?

No.

Neko no Hi is an unofficial commemorative day.

Schools, offices, and businesses generally operate as usual.

It's not part of Japan's official national holiday calendar.

However, unofficial commemorative days are very common in Japan.

Many are created by organizations, industries, or associations to celebrate particular products, traditions, or cultural interests.

Some become popular through advertising and social media.

Others remain relatively obscure.

Neko no Hi has become particularly recognizable because cats already have such a strong presence in Japanese popular culture.

And let's face it.

A holiday celebrating cats is pretty easy to promote.

What Is the Difference Between Japan's Cat Day and International Cat Day?

Japan's Neko no Hi takes place on February 22.

But International Cat Day is celebrated on August 8.

International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and is now coordinated by International Cat Care.

The international observance emphasizes appreciating cats and raising awareness about their welfare.

Japan's Cat Day, meanwhile, has its own history and playful numerical origin.

Both celebrations encourage appreciation for cats.

But February 22 has a particularly Japanese twist.

It's all about the sound of three meows.

Nyan! Nyan! Nyan! 🐱

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neko no Hi in Japan?

Neko no Hi (猫の日) is Japan's unofficial Cat Day, celebrated annually on February 22. It's a day dedicated to appreciating cats through themed products, events, social media, and animal welfare activities.

Why is Cat Day celebrated on February 22 in Japan?

February 22 is written as 2/22. The Japanese pronunciation of the number two, ni, resembles nyan, the Japanese sound for a cat's meow. The date is therefore associated with "nyan nyan nyan."

When did Japan start celebrating Cat Day?

Japan's Cat Day was established in 1987 through a campaign organized by a cat-related committee and the pet food industry.

Is Neko no Hi a public holiday?

No. Neko no Hi is an unofficial commemorative day, not a Japanese national holiday.

What does nyan mean in Japanese?

Nyan (ニャン) is a Japanese onomatopoeic expression representing the sound a cat makes. It's similar to "meow" in English.

How do Japanese people celebrate Cat Day?

People celebrate by sharing cat photos, purchasing themed merchandise, enjoying special sweets, attending events, and supporting animal welfare organizations.

Does Japan have more than one Cat Day?

February 22 is Japan's main Cat Day. International Cat Day is celebrated separately on August 8.

What is a hogo neko?

Hogo neko (保護猫) means a rescued or protected cat. The term is commonly used for cats cared for by rescue organizations or available for adoption.

Why are cats important in Japanese culture?

Cats have appeared in Japanese art, literature, folklore, and popular culture for centuries. Famous examples include maneki neko, bakeneko, and modern cat-themed characters.

What is special about February 22, 2022?

The date 2022/2/22 contained an unusual number of twos, making it an especially memorable Cat Day in Japan.

🇯🇵 Keep Discovering Japan

Curious about another fascinating part of Japan's cat culture? Explore What Are Cat Cafés (猫カフェ)? Why Does Japan Have Cafés Full of Cats? to discover why spending an afternoon surrounded by cats became such a popular experience in Japan.

👋 Meet a JapPop Resident

Mewonnaise (ミャオネーズ) 

Meet Mewonnaise, a cat with very particular tastes.

Fancy cat food? No thanks.

Premium treats? Not interested.

But show him a bottle of mayonnaise...

Now THAT deserves his attention! 😻

This February 22, Mewonnaise has only one request for Cat Day.

More mayo. Less meow. 😂

👉 Meet Mewonnaise and discover more residents from the JapPop Universe.

🇯🇵 About JapPop

At JapPop, we celebrate Japanese culture through playful illustrations, original characters, and stories inspired by everyday life in Japan.

From beloved foods and traditional festivals to folklore, historical figures, seasonal customs, language, and everyday life, every article introduces another piece of Japan—and another story worth discovering.

Neko no Hi is a wonderful example of Japan's playful approach to everyday culture.

A simple date.

A clever bit of wordplay.

And suddenly, February 22 becomes a celebration of cats.

Sometimes, the smallest ideas create the most delightful traditions.

Discover Japan, one story at a time. 🇯🇵✨