It's Not Just About Being Cute... Cat-Related Industry Generates 27 Trillion Won Annually [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 secret in the date: the number 2 is pronounced "ni" in Japanese, and February 22 features this sound three times in a row. Cat lovers say that this day was chosen because it sounds like a cat’s meow—"nyan nyan nyan"—when spoken aloud.

You can find out the reasons why so many people in Japan keep cats in this article. https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2023021011310759450

This year, as usual, a flood of cat-related news stories emerged in Japan to celebrate Cat Day. Among them, an expert analysis predicting that the cat-related industry—including goods, healthcare, and tourism—could reach 3 trillion yen (27 trillion won) this year became a hot topic. In fact, in Japan, there is even a coined term, "Nekonomics," which combines the Japanese word for cat (neko) with "economics" to describe this phenomenon. This week, we bring you a variety of stories from Japan in celebration of Cat Day.

Cats are cute. Pixabay.

It is estimated that there are about 9 million cats being kept across Japan. The number of pet cats surpassed that of dogs as early as 2014. With the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number has been steadily increasing. Last year, the number of cats kept decreased by 3.4% compared to the previous year, indicating a slight slowdown, but the scale remains overwhelming.

According to the analysis by Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an honorary professor at Kansai University, the total size of the cat-related industry—including supplies, medical care, tourism, and more—is projected to reach 2.9488 trillion yen (27.425 trillion won) this year. This figure is about 600 billion yen (5.5812 trillion won) higher than it was 11 years ago. For comparison, the economic ripple effect generated by the Osaka-Kansai Expo is estimated to be 3.6 trillion yen (33.5005 trillion won), so the cat-related industry corresponds to about 80% of that amount.

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

Japan’s love for cats is so extraordinary that there are even analyses of the economic effects generated by cats. Various events are held across the country on Cat Day.

First, convenience stores release a wide range of limited-edition cat-themed products. This year, Seven Eleven launched the "Three-colored Cat Crepe," a crepe with a white base and corners colored gray and brown. They also introduced the "Nyan Parfait," which features a pink rice cake shaped like a cat's paw. Lawson released cat-shaped jelly, and FamilyMart went even further by transforming their stores into a "cat paradise" with snacks, drinks, and everyday goods all featuring feline designs.

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

This is also the day when cats holding honorary positions receive appointment certificates. At the library in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, there is a special section dedicated exclusively to cat-related books. Mughi, a 10-year-old male British Shorthair, has served as the cat director since the section was established and received a renewed appointment certificate for another year on Cat Day. A commemorative photo event was also held, attracting nearly 80 attendees.

Cats kept at train stations have also been put in the spotlight as "cat stationmasters." At Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, a three-colored cat named Tama served as the stationmaster from 2007. Tama became so famous that a shrine was established after her passing. Since then, Kishi Station has continued to care for cats in need of protection and is training successors to carry on Tama's legacy. Wakayama Electric Railway even publishes the cats’ work schedule on its website. This year, the station welcomed visitors who traveled specifically for Cat Day. With cats serving as mascots and generating tourism effects, it’s no wonder the phenomenon is called "Nekonomics."

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 in temporary foster care, giving them a chance to find new families. At one such event in Tokyo, it became a topic of conversation when it was revealed that even the imperial family had adopted a cat there.

In any case, Cat Day in Japan always brings out clever ideas and events. It’s amazing to see how beings that bring comfort and joy to daily life can even move the economy. May today be a warmer day for all animals.

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