"27 Trillion Yen a Year at Stake... It's Not Just About Being Cute, Nyan" [Japan Sunday Culture]

February 22: Cat Day Brings a Variety of Events
Analysis of "Nekonomics"?The Economic Impact of Cats

In Japan, February 22 is celebrated as Cat Day. There is a hidden meaning behind this date: in Japanese, the number 2 is pronounced "ni." February 22 is a day when this sound repeats three times. Cat lovers have recommended this day because the sound "ni ni ni" resembles the meowing of a cat.

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This year as well, various articles related to cats flooded Japanese media to mark Cat Day. Among them, an expert analysis predicting that the cat-related industry could reach 3 trillion yen (27 trillion won) in size just this year drew particular attention. In Japan, a new term has even been coined: "Nekonomics," a combination of the Japanese word for cat (neko) and economics. This week, we bring you a variety of stories about Japan in celebration of Cat Day.

Cats are cute. Pixabay.

It is estimated that there are about 9 million cats kept as pets throughout Japan. In 2014, the number of cats owned already surpassed that of dogs. Except during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number has steadily increased. Last year, the number of cats kept as pets declined by 3.4% compared to the previous year, signaling a slight slowdown, but the figures remain overwhelming.

According to the analysis of Katsushiro Miyamoto, Professor Emeritus at Kansai University, the overall size of the cat-related industry in Japan-including supplies, medical care, and tourism-will reach 2.9488 trillion yen (27.425 trillion won) this year. This is an increase of about 600 billion yen (5.5812 trillion won) compared to 11 years ago. For comparison, the economic effect generated by the Osaka-Kansai Expo is said to be 3.6 trillion yen (33.5005 trillion won), so the scale of the cat industry is equivalent to about 80% of this amount.

Convenience store chain Seven Eleven launched the "Three-colored Cat Crepe" to celebrate Cat Day. Seven Eleven.

Given that there are even analyses on the economic effects generated by cats, Japan's love for cats is truly exceptional. On Cat Day, various events are held across the country.

First, convenience stores launch a variety of limited-edition cat-themed products. This year, Seven Eleven released the "Three-colored Cat Crepe," featuring a white base with gray and brown coloring on the corners. They also introduced the "Nyang Parfait," topped with a pink rice cake shaped like a cat's paw. Lawson released cat-shaped jelly as well. FamilyMart unveiled a new concept by transforming their stores into a "cat paradise," offering cat-themed snacks, beverages, and everyday goods.

Cat jelly released by the convenience store chain Lawson to celebrate Cat Day. Lawson.

In addition, Cat Day is also the day when cats holding various positions receive official certificates of appointment. At a library in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, there is a special corner dedicated only to cat-related books. Since the corner was established, a 10-year-old male British Shorthair named Mugi has served as the cat director. On Cat Day, he was reappointed for another year, and a commemorative photo event was held, attracting nearly 80 people.

Cats kept at train stations have also been highlighted as "cat stationmasters." At Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, a calico cat named Tama served as the stationmaster starting in 2007. Tama became so famous that after her passing, a shrine was built in her honor. Since then, Kishi Station has continued to care for cats in need and trains successors to Tama's role. The Wakayama Electric Railway even publishes the cats' work schedules on its website. This year, the station welcomed travelers who visited specifically for Cat Day. With cats serving as mascots and even boosting local tourism, it is only fitting that the term "Nekonomics" has caught on.

Profile of the Cat Stationmaster introduced at Kishi Station, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Wakayama Electric Railway.

During this period, adoption events are also held for cats under temporary protection, helping them find new families. At an adoption event in Tokyo, it became known that members of the imperial family also adopted a cat from the event, generating considerable attention.

In any case, Japan showcased many creative ideas for Cat Day. It is remarkable that beings who bring comfort and joy to everyday life can have such an impact on the economy. We hope that all animals have a warmer and happier day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.