All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Autumn Colors in Kyoto

    • February 11, 2022
    • NHK World

    Kyoto Prefecture offers amazing seasonal views. Visit different temples to enjoy autumn colors on a morning walk with a black cat and his beloved priest, see a rare calico cat, and watch an avid tree climber!

  • S01E02 Tsugaru, Where Life Begins

    • February 23, 2022
    • NHK World

    Mt. Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture overlooks an apple orchard where 5 kitties are born in spring. By summer, they've grown big and strong! Pay them a visit and attend the area's special summer festival!

  • S01E03 Tokyo: Lucky Cats

    • April 10, 2022
    • NHK World

    Tokyo is home to many lucky cats called Maneki-neko! Get your kitty fix at a public bath, a lantern shop and a classical theater. Then, meet them after hours in Shinjuku's Golden Gai bar district!

  • S01E04 Mt. Fuji: Countryside Cats

    • April 17, 2022
    • NHK World

    At the foot of the sacred Mt. Fuji, have breakfast with dairy farm kitties, fish with hungry kitties at a port, and dance at a unique summer festival held by a temple dedicated to cats.

  • S01E05 Okinawa/Kudaka: A Spiritual Paradise

    • April 24, 2022
    • NHK World

    A sacred island with an emerald sea and tropical trees is pure kitty heaven. Scale a wall with rare white kitties, and relax to the sounds of traditional Okinawan music with a black kitty.

  • S01E06 Noto: A Winter Wonderland

    • May 1, 2022
    • NHK World

    Snow piles up in winter along the Sea of Japan. Visit a morning seafood market, play in the snow, admire traditional lacquerware, and enjoy warm mochi rice cake with cute kitties.

  • S01E07 Sanuki: A Kitty's Favorite Udon

    • May 8, 2022
    • NHK World

    Visit the Sanuki region to try a local delicacy loved by cats. Watch a kitty's owner make traditional roof tiles, and stroll around a famous shrine with another kitty.

  • S01E08 Kamakura: An Ancient Seaside City

    • May 15, 2022
    • NHK World

    Visit the city known for its giant Buddha statue to watch a kitty play in the Meigetsu-in Temple garden, then have a nap with kittens on a priest's cushion at another temple along a train line.

  • S01E09 Shimanto River: A Clear Stream

    • May 22, 2022
    • NHK World

    Along Japan's famous, clear river, cute kitties are living their best lives. Join 1 kitty on a unique bridge leading to his canoe shop, and take in a lovely sunset with the other cuties.

  • S01E10 Karuizawa: A Cool Breeze on a Plateau

    • May 29, 2022
    • NHK World

    Visit Japan's popular summer getaway to join a church kitty on his morning stroll through the woods, watch a kitty help make souvenir candles, and play with another in a guest house garden.

  • S01E11 Kumano Kodo: Pilgrimage Trails

    • June 5, 2022
    • NHK World

    On a pilgrimage down sacred trails, follow a kitty through a majestic forest. Meet a hunting master at a 1,300-year-old temple, and wait patiently for homemade bread at a seaside café.

  • S01E12 Aizu: A Quaint Castle Town

    • June 12, 2022
    • NHK World

    Near Aizu's symbolic Tsuruga Castle, visit a kitty at an old post station, and feast with another at a quaint Aizu lacquerware shop. One more kitty awaits your offering at a 1,400-year-old temple.

  • S01E13 Kagoshima: Volcano Blessings

    • June 19, 2022
    • NHK World

    Active volcanos bless Kagoshima Prefecture with natural hot springs. Visit a boss cat near an "ashiyu" foot bath, help kitties guard a brewery, and relax with a bath house kitty.

  • S01E14 Chiba: Refreshing Sea Breeze and Sunlight

    • June 26, 2022
    • NHK World

    A black kitty sits at a picturesque spot near the beach. Two other kitties are busy greeting people at an old train station, but they always find time to play with the station staff.

  • S01E15 Nara: An Ancient Capital Awaits Spring

    • July 3, 2022
    • NHK World

    Head to the famous Todai-ji Temple before visiting a nun's kitty at the 1,300-year-old Chugu-ji Temple. Visit a Japanese washi paper factory and a plum tree grove for more kitty fun.

  • S01E16 Hakodate: A Hilly Port Town

    • July 10, 2022
    • NHK World

    Kitties enjoy a Western atmosphere in a port town that's prospered for centuries. Meanwhile, mommies are busy raising rambunctious kittens while another kitty gets spoiled by sea urchin fishers.

  • S01E17 Aichi: Lead by Beckoning Cats

    • July 24, 2022
    • NHK World

    A famous pottery town makes cat figurines, but there are real kitties too! Head to Nagoya to visit a coffee shop kitty, then to a mountain town to check out traditional dolls with another cat.

  • S01E18 Iwate: Traditional Country Living

    • July 31, 2022
    • NHK World

    Take in a view of "the Mt. Fuji of Iwate" with a farmer and her kitty, and visit an egg-loving mamma cat that's busy raising kittens in a repurposed traditional home.

  • S01E19 Nagasaki: Kitties in a City of Peace

    • August 7, 2022
    • NHK World

    Meet kitties in an alleyway in hilly Nagasaki, see a white kitty relax and hunt around Peace Park, and enjoy kitty heaven at Unzen Jigoku hot springs before noisy humans arrive.

  • S01E20 Nikko: Sleeping Kitty, Door Kitty

    • August 14, 2022
    • NHK World

    See the famous Sleeping Cat carving at Tosho-gu Shrine. A painter's kitty has a special talent! Watch a scaredy cat creep around at another lovely shrine.

  • S01E21 Yamagata: A Caring Producer

    • August 21, 2022
    • NHK World

    A unique trip around the country of Japan with photographer and filmmaker Iwago Mitsuaki, discovering the uncharted charms and customs of regions, all seen through the eyes of cats.

  • S01E22 Fukuoka: Small Remote Islands

    • August 28, 2022
    • NHK World

    On this unique trip around Japan, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats! Filmed by wildlife photographe,Iwago Mitsuaki.

  • S01E23 Tochigi: Kitty Guides

    • October 9, 2022
    • NHK World

    Visit kitties and their favorite spots. Relax in an old hot spring tied to a folk character, hide in a limestone cave formed by volcanic activity, and take in the natural surroundings on a plateau.

  • S01E24 Ibaraki: Sporty Kitties

    • October 16, 2022
    • NHK World

    Kitties in Ibaraki Prefecture know how to have fun. Admire incoming paragliders with one, meet another that's unfazed by swinging golf clubs, and play ball with a territorial kitty.

  • SPECIAL 0x3 The Key to a Kitty's Heart

    • March 30, 2023

    Description: This special program uncovers the mysteries of Iwago's craft and the secret to a kitty's heart, along with some selected moments from the show. Iwago and the cast discuss their shared love for cats while learning more about the behind-the-scenes stories of the charming kitties living in Japan, and the incredible bond between humans and our feline friends.

Season 2

  • S02E01 Shimane: Myths and Crafts of Izumo

    • February 5, 2023
    • NHK World

    Visit Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, the setting of several Japanese myths, to meet a mischievous kitty living on a farm near Hii River. Then head to a pottery factory to see a blue-eyed cat hard at work.

  • S02E02 Shimane: Pure Water and Tradition

    • February 12, 2023
    • NHK World

    Follow a kitty around a World Heritage Site! At a 125-year-old sake brewery, a patrol kitty makes his rounds before relaxing in the adjacent garden next to a lovely fresh water pond.

  • SPECIAL 0x1 CAT ENCOUNTERS: Being the Boss

    • February 15, 2023

    Join animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki as he meets cats around the world! Today: in Barcelona, Spain and Kagurazaka, Tokyo. On Kitty Trivia, we learn what makes for a good boss cat.

  • S02E03 Seto Inland Sea: Two Cat Islands

    • February 19, 2023
    • NHK World

    Visit two cat islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. The kitties on Ao Island outnumber humans. Watch them catch fish on the rocks! Join more kitties on Ogi Island for some sun time on a roof.

  • SPECIAL 0x2 CAT ENCOUNTERS: A Ticket to Ride!

    • February 21, 2023

    Join animal photographer Iwago Mitsuaki as he meets cats around the world! Today: in Val d'Orcia in Italy and Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. On Kitty Trivia, we discover why cats like to ride on shoulders.

  • S02E04 Niigata: Rice Town

    • April 30, 2023
    • NHK World

    What's it like living with cats in rice-producing Niigata Prefecture? See kitty beds made of straw from beautiful green rice paddies, and enjoy snacks with another kitty at a candy shop.

  • S02E05 Hokkaido: Spring in Furano

    • May 7, 2023
    • NHK World

    Enjoy the coming of spring in northern Hokkaido Prefecture with happy kitties. Visit an art gallery occupied by 11 cats, and do some evening yoga with a kitty at a lodge.

  • S02E06 Hiroshima: A Scoop of Happiness

    • May 13, 2023
    • NHK World

    Stroll around a World Heritage Site with an island kitty. Then, get your favorite saying written on a lucky rice scoop before playing with kitties in the historical town of Takehara.

  • S02E07 Osaka: Fighting Kitties

    • May 20, 2023
    • NHK World

    Kitties are always fighting in an otherwise quiet ally in downtown Osaka. You can even spar a brave kitty at a local boxing gym!

  • S02E08 Yamaguchi: Mother & Child

    • May 27, 2023
    • NHK World

    Kitties work year-round to keep tiger pufferfish from being snatched up by hungry herons! Myojin Pond is a famous place to see kitties—we dare you not to laugh at the kitty napping inside the shrine!

  • S02E09 Kanagawa: Hospitality in Hakone

    • June 3, 2023
    • NHK World

    Enjoy a warm kitty-welcome at the famous hot spring area! After visiting a popular cat duo at a ropeway station, stop by at a restaurant run by a kitty and its owner where you can also bathe.

  • S02E10 Ehime: Nature's Blessings

    • June 10, 2023
    • NHK World

    TwitterFacebookShare Kitties love hanging out by the seaside in Ehime Prefecture's pleasant, warm climate. See a kitty making rounds at an orange farm before finding some beautiful autumn foliage with the help of a kitty-guide.

  • S02E11 Miyagi: Guardian Kitties

    • June 17, 2023
    • NHK World

    Kitty finds an intruder at a contemporary art museum—will we have a winner? Join another kitty at a traditional crafts workshop lovingly watching its owner's craftsmanship.

  • S02E12 Toyama: Thriving Kitties

    • June 24, 2023
    • NHK World

    Kitties thrive at this town! Enjoy cruising on a boat with a vice-captain kitty, and join a sake shop kitty who loves to go on walks. Wooden cat sculptures are spread across town—can you spot them?

  • S02E13 Tokyo: Tama for Healing

    • July 1, 2023
    • NHK World

    Discover the nature-rich side of Tokyo. Kitties favorite spots include: a small shrine in a forest, a box bed at a horseback riding club, and the top of their owners beloved cars!

  • S02E14 Okinawa: Taketomi Island Adventures

    • July 8, 2023
    • NHK World

    Visit the southern island paradise, Taketomi Island, where kitties enjoy climbing great heights! How will they get home once the tide comes in?!

  • S02E15 Kanagawa: Miura Sea Breeze

    • July 15, 2023
    • NHK World

    One kitty waits near a fisherman for a treat while another helps radish farmers keep pests out of their fields. Get top-notch kitty customer service at a pet fish shop!

  • S02E16 Ise-Shima: Cats and Pearls

    • July 22, 2023
    • NHK World

    Patrol a pearl farm with a kitty named Pisuke, then meet a pearl shop cat that's got a special talent! Seeing happy kitties enjoy fresh seafood will warm your heart!

  • S02E17 Kobe: To Love and Be Loved

    • July 29, 2023
    • NHK World

    In the Western-influenced port town of Kobe, a kitty seeks attention while its owner makes shoes at a custom shop. You'll meet a popular shopping district kitty that has its own designer T-shirt!

  • S02E18 Tokyo: Kagurazaka - A Traditional Performing Arts Town

    • August 5, 2023
    • NHK World

    In Tokyo's romantic Kagurazaka district, watch Noh rehearsals with a kitty named Torakichi. Then, follow an alley cat to a popular coffee shop before enjoying geisha shamisen performances after dark.

  • S02E19 Kyoto: Enjoying a Hot Summer

    • August 12, 2023
    • NHK World

    On a hot summer's day, a kitty leads us to traditional food near a local shrine. Get cool in a maiko's home with another kitty before enjoying sparklers at night.

  • S02E20 Kumamoto: Happy Living in Amakusa

    • August 19, 2023
    • NHK World

    Amakusa is home to many islands of all sizes. See a kitty get fed fish on an island of 230 cats. Then, visit Sakitsu Church—a UNESCO and kitty site—before heading to a local sushi shop.

  • S02E21 Saitama: Kitty Hospitality in Kawagoe

    • August 26, 2023
    • NHK World

    On a historical street in Kawagoe, join a kitty for breakfast in front of a ramen restaurant. Also see hospitable kitties hard at work greeting tourists at local shops!

  • S02E22 Kochi: Kitties & Dried Bonito in Tosashimizu

    • September 2, 2023
    • NHK World

    See a kitty hard at work guarding a local specialty, dried bonito! Visit a restaurant that uses the ingredient in its curries, then head to the coast with kitty BFFs.

  • S02E23 Hokkaido: Kushiro Kitty Guides

    • September 9, 2023
    • NHK World

    Our first kitty-guided tour is of the scenic Lake Kussharo. Another kitty guides us around sacred spots within a village of the indigenous Ainu people.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Shiga: Lake Biwa and Tanuki Raccoon Dogs

    • May 12, 2024

    We visit Japan's largest and oldest lake, Lake Biwa. A cat leads us to an overlook with a great view of the lake. We meet another cat hiding among the multitude of wares at a Shigaraki ceramics shop.

  • S03E02 Yamanashi: Aiming for the Peak

    • May 19, 2024

    We take in Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and meet some cats on the way. A cat named Bond carries out top-secret missions at a peach orchard. Another cat patrols its home—a 100-year-old winery.