In Japan, February is famous for Valentine’s Day, but did you know that another major event is taking root in the convenience store (Konbini) industry? It is “Cat Day.” In Japan, February 22nd is designated as “Cat Day” because the sound of the date (2/22) resembles a cat’s meow, “Nyan Nyan Nyan.”
Major Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart will launch the “Family Nyart Operation!” (a pun on “Family Mart” and “Nyan”) starting February 10, 2026, to coincide with this date. Now in its fourth year, this event is not just a product campaign. It is a dream project for cat lovers where the entire store physically becomes “full of cats.”
Every year, social media is flooded with comments like, “The packaging is too cute to use!” This year, the campaign has powered up even further. In addition to a collaboration with the popular character “mofusand,” standard snacks like the popular souvenir “Hi-Chew” have also been “cat-ified.” Furthermore, collaboration sweets with “Yamato Transport,” a delivery company famous for its black cat logo, will also appear.
The Frontline of Japan’s “Nekonomics” Phenomenon
This campaign is not just a festival. Started in 2022, this initiative has expanded in scale every year, recording record-high sales last year. This symbolizes a phenomenon called “Nekonomics” (Cat Economy) in Japan, referring to the economic effect of the cat-related market.
Japanese consumers enjoy the experience of not just buying products, but “choosing their oshi (favorite) cat” and “taking photos to share on SNS.” This is likely a major reason why this event has become established.
For this fourth iteration, the focus on cat parts such as “paw pads” and “tails” has been strengthened. From sweets and snacks to drinks, every shelf is being invaded by cats.
“mofusand” Supervised! Sweets & Bread You Can’t Take Your Eyes Off
The highlight again this time is the collaboration products with “mofusand,” drawn by the popular illustrator “Juno.” Surreal and cute cats are designed on the packaging.
Paw Pad Tart (Strawberry & Chocolate)
First to catch the eye is the “Paw Pad Tart,” inspired by a cat’s paw. A pink strawberry mousse sits three-dimensionally on top of the tart. Inside is chocolate custard, allowing you to enjoy the acidity of the strawberry and the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Price: 230 JPY (approx. 1.54 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
mofusand Waffure-mu (Waffle)
Custard cream is filled inside a chewy waffle dough. Of special note is the “branding iron mark” stamped on the surface. There are 10 types in total, and one original sticker (12 types in total) is enclosed. It is an item that tickles the collector’s spirit.
- Price: 232 JPY (approx. 1.55 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
mofusand Cereal Bowl & White Peach Jelly
Many people will likely buy this for the limited-edition merchandise rather than the food. It is a set containing a ceramic bowl designed with cute cats and white peach jelly. After eating, it can be used as a breakfast cereal or salad bowl.
- Price: 873 JPY (approx. 5.85 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026 (From 10:00 AM)
Twin Cat Manju (Caramel Bean Paste, 2-pack)
The traditional Japanese confectionery “Manju” has also taken a cat shape. The filling is not regular Anko (red bean paste) but caramel-flavored paste. Since it comes in a pack of two, it’s perfect for sharing with a friend. (Excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa)
- Price: 181 JPY (approx. 1.21 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Paw Print Mochi Dorayaki (Smooth Bean Paste)
“Dorayaki” is a pancake-style Japanese sweet famous from the Japanese anime Doraemon. A paw print brand is stamped on the dough, and azuki bean paste (Red bean paste) and soft Mochi are sandwiched inside.
- Price: 196 JPY (approx. 1.31 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Paw Pad Sweet Potato
“Sweet Potato,” a dessert made from sweet potatoes, has also taken the shape of a paw pad. Japanese sweet potatoes are very sweet and characterized by a gentle flavor.
- Price: 184 JPY (approx. 1.23 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Kitty Cookie (Caramel Milk Flavor)
A cookie shaped like a cat’s face. It combines a milk flavor using French fermented butter with a caramel flavor. It is perfect as a snack during desk work.
- Price: 135 JPY (approx. 0.90 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Nyan-chi Pack (Nyan & Whip)
Japan’s classic convenience store bread “Lunch Pack” (crustless sandwiches) has transformed into a cat version. The bread features a paw print brand, and the filling is coarse red bean paste (Tsubu-an) and whipped cream. This “Anko x Whip” combination is extremely popular in Japan. (Excluding Okinawa)
- Price: 165 JPY (approx. 1.10 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Tail-like Caramel Cream Sandwich
A striped bread designed to look like a cat’s “tail.” The stripes are expressed with milk-flavored and caramel-flavored dough, and caramel cream is inside. The shape makes it easy to tear off and eat. (Excluding Hokkaido)
- Price: 165 JPY (approx. 1.10 USD)
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
Famous Snacks and Drinks Also “Cat-ified”
This time, not only sweets and bread but also products from well-known brands are participating in the collaboration.
Happy Nyahn (Happy Turn)
Japan’s national snack “Happy Turn” has become “Happy Nyahn,” a pun on a cat’s meow. The flavor is corn potage, and the shape is also a heart.
- Price: 173 JPY (approx. 1.16 USD)
Ramu-neko Hi-Chew (Hi-Chew)
The soft candy “Hi-Chew,” popular overseas, appears as “Ramu-neko Hi-Chew.” It contains Ramune (soda candy) inside, offering a fizzy texture.
- Price: 238 JPY (approx. 1.59 USD)
Nyan-ja Meshi Hagane Peach Flavor (Ninja Meshi)
A collaboration with “Ninja Meshi,” a hard-texture gummy bear bearing the name of “Ninja.” The gummies are shaped like cats and paw pads.
- Price: 170 JPY (approx. 1.14 USD)
Gogo no Kocha (Afternoon Tea) Delicious Unsweetened
Japan’s standard tea beverage, “Gogo no Kocha,” also appears in mofusand-designed packaging. The content is fragrant unsweetened iced tea, which pairs perfectly with sweet desserts.
- Price: 158 JPY (approx. 1.06 USD)
Adult Cute “Coony” Collaboration Products
In addition to mofusand, products supervised by cat illustrator “Coony” will also be rolled out. These feature chic and mature designs.
Nyan-tomo Delicious Black Cat Terrine Chocolat
A rich chocolate terrine. The package features a mysterious black cat, giving it a luxurious feel.
- Price: 230 JPY (approx. 1.54 USD)
Coony Neko Neko Sacoche & Brownie Set
A set containing a limited edition sacoche (small shoulder bag) and a brownie (baked sweet). Sales are limited to approximately 6,000 stores.
- Price: 2,019 JPY (approx. 13.52 USD)
Coony Neko Tissue 220 Pairs
Everyday tissue boxes have also been given a beautiful cat design. It is a design that also functions as room interior decor.
- Price: 335 JPY (approx. 2.24 USD)
A Unique Collaboration! Delivery Company “Yamato Transport” Black Cat
Black Cat Omelet
The most unique item is the collaboration with “Yamato Transport,” which supports Japan’s logistics. This cake uses their logo marks, the “Black Cat” (Kuroneko) and “White Cat” (Shironeko), as motifs. A cat-shaped biscuit tops the cocoa-flavored omelet dough. It is a collaboration unique to Japan that transcends corporate boundaries.
- Price: 276 JPY (approx. 1.85 USD)
Attention to Detail: Hot Snack Bags
During the campaign period, the bags for fried chicken “Famichiki” and meat buns (Chuka-man) will also switch to cat designs in limited quantities. It is a gimmick that brings a sense of healing even to casual shopping.
Don’t Miss the Campaigns!
In addition to buying products, value campaigns are also being held.
App Stamp Project
If you present FamilyMart’s official app “FamiPay” and purchase eligible products, you can win limited goods by lottery.
Prizes:
- Original Illustration Marche Bag (22 winners)
- Points (200 winners)
Eligible products have a marked card attached. Click here for details 🇯🇵
Get a Charm by Buying Ice Cream
Cat Festival on SNS Too!
Various campaigns will be held on X (formerly Twitter).
Win a Cat Ear Hoodie
By following the official account and reposting, you can win a limited “Cat Ear Hoodie.” Click here for details 🇯🇵
Your Pet Cat on a Package?!
If you post a photo of your pet cat, you could win the right to have it illustrated and featured on a product package. This is a dream project for cat lovers. Click here for details 🇯🇵
Cat Day (Feb 22) Limited Plan
A campaign where you can win points by posting at a designated time on February 22nd will also be held. Click here for details 🇯🇵
Online Exclusive “Happy Box” (Fukubukuro)
It is packed with plush toys of characters wearing cat costumes, mats, clear files, and more. The reservation period is from February 10 to February 23, and products will arrive around June.
- Price: 3,850 JPY (approx. 25.80 USD)
“Paying Back to Cats” Charity Activities
Japan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) 🇯🇵
Summary
This year’s “Family Nyart Operation!” at FamilyMart is a highly complete event, including not only a rich product lineup but also collaborations with other companies and charity activities.
If you have the chance to visit Japan in February, please stop by a nearby FamilyMart. There, a space fusing the “Kawaii” culture that Japanese people love and the convenience of a Konbini should be waiting for you.
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