Anime Studios and Companies Celebrate Cat Day 2026 with Special Tributes

Japanese anime studios and entertainment companies came together to celebrate Cat Day 2026 (February 22nd) with a collection of special artwork and tributes featuring their most beloved feline characters.

The celebrations included tributes from major franchises like Dragon Quest, Doraemon, and Monster Hunter, showcasing the important role cats play in anime and gaming culture. Doraemon, Japan's iconic blue robot cat, naturally took center stage in many of the festivities, representing one of anime's most recognizable cat characters.

Several gaming properties also joined the celebration, with Palworld and other titles featuring their cat-like creatures and companions. The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, dedicated to the creator of Doraemon, participated with special displays honoring the legendary manga artist's feline creations.

Major corporations like Sega, Sony, and Google Japan also contributed to the festivities, demonstrating how deeply cats are woven into Japanese pop culture. Tama & Friends, the beloved children's series about neighborhood cats, was among the classic anime properties represented in the celebrations.

Cat Day, known as "Neko no Hi" in Japan, occurs on February 22nd because the date sounds like "nyan nyan nyan" (meow meow meow) when spoken in Japanese. The holiday has become increasingly popular in recent years, with anime and gaming companies using the occasion to highlight their feline characters and connect with fans who love cats.

This widespread participation shows how cats continue to be an essential part of anime storytelling, from magical companions to main characters who capture hearts worldwide.