Mitsuaki Iwago Photographs
"Local cat" Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Sano Art Museum and the 85th Anniversary of the City of Mishima
The beloved NHK program Mitsuaki Iwago’s World Cat Walk has long captured the hearts of cat lovers across Japan. Having met cats in all 47 prefectures, the show has now completed its journey throughout the entire country. This exhibition brings together these “local heroes” — the unique and charming cats of Japan’s many regions. Around 140 photographs will be on display, showcasing the expressive faces, gestures, and lively movements of cats living in the distinctive climates and landscapes of their hometowns.
A wide selection of items will also be available, including the latest photo books and original goods exclusive to the exhibition venue.
Join us on a journey to meet the cats of Japan — the local heroes Iwago encountered as he traveled across the country.
Outline
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Admission
Adults / University Students: ¥1,400
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥700
*Free admission for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays and on May 5 (Children’s Day)
*20% discount for groups of 15 or more -
Advance tickets (available until April 10, 2026)
Adults / University Students: ¥1,100
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥550
Where to Purchase:
Sano Art Museum (until April 9)
Shizuoka Shimbun / Shizuoka Broadcasting (SBS) offices: Business Office, Hamamatsu Bureau, Eastern Bureau (available from March 13, weekdays 9:00–17:00)
Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia / P-code: 687–396) -
Discount tickets (available during the exhibition period)
Adults / University Students: ¥1,260
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: ¥630
Where to Purchase:
Izu-Hakone Railway Sunzu Line staffed stations
Seven-Eleven (Ticket Pia / P-code: 687–396)
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Opening Hours
10:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30) -
Closed
Thursdays -
Organizer
Sano Art Museum, Mishima City, Mishima City Board of Education, Shizuoka Shimbun and Shizuoka Broadcasting System -
Supported by
Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education -
Sponsorship
Izuhakone Railway Co., Ltd. -
Cooperation
NHK Enterprises, Inc. -
Planning and Production
Crevis Inc.
Profile
© Machi Iwago
Mitsuaki Iwago
Born in Tokyo in 1950, he is an animal photographer. He has been photographing familiar cats as his life's work for over half a century. In 2012, he began filming the program "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cat Walk" (NHK). His books include "Cats," "Kittens," "Pantanal," "Mostly About Cats: Mr. Iwago's Mondays," "What a Wonderful World," "Mitsuaki Iwago's Local Cats," "Kawaii," and "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cat Walk: Under the European Sky." He served as the film director for "Grandpa and the Cat" in 2019 and "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cat Walk: As It Is, a Cat Family of Water and Earth" in 2021.
Official websitehttps://iwago.jp/
"Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cat Walk" is currently being broadcast on NHK BS and BSP4K.
Main exhibits
Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City © Mitsuaki Iwago
Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido © Mitsuaki Iwago
Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City © Mitsuaki Iwago
Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Kudaka Island, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture © Mitsuaki Iwago
Related Events
Mitsuaki Iwago visit commemorative event autograph session
Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago will visit the Sano Art Museum!
Don’t miss the chance to get a signed copy of his photo book — a one‑of‑a‑kind treasure to keep.
The signing event will be held twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
A wide selection of photo books, including the exhibition title Local Hero of Japanese Cats, will be available for purchase for the signing.
Please note:
Heavy crowds are expected on the day of the event, so we recommend using public transportation.
The schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition “LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS”
© Machi Iwago
Gallery talk commemorating Mitsuaki Iwago's visit
Animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago will visit the Sano Art Museum!
Look forward to hearing about encounters with cats from all over Japan and behind-the-scenes stories from filming.
Please note:
Heavy crowds are expected on the day of the event, so we recommend using public transportation.
The schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition “LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS”
© Machi Iwago
We are looking for photos of our cats!
The photos you submit will be displayed in the museum during the event. We look forward to receiving your carefully selected photo!
Anyone who brings a photograph during the exhibition will receive a 10% discount on admission to the exhibition (this discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts).
Photo size: L print (89 x 127 mm)
*Only cat photos taken by myself are accepted.
*Please note that photos cannot be returned.
*If there are people in the photo, please be sure to get their permission.
*Photos may be posted on our website or social media.