Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition
"LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS" 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
Commemorative Event for Mitsuaki Iwago’s Visit – Autograph Session
Photographer Mitsuaki Iwago will be visiting the Sano Art Museum.
This is a special opportunity to receive a photo book personally signed by Mr. Iwago—something you can truly treasure.
The signing sessions will take place twice, in the morning and afternoon.
A variety of photo books, including the exhibition volume LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS, will be available for those wishing to participate. We look forward to welcoming you.
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
Commemorative Visit by Mitsuaki Iwago – Gallery Talk
Photographer Mitsuaki Iwago will be visiting the Sano Art Museum.
He will share stories from his encounters with cats across Japan, along with behind‑the‑scenes episodes from his photographic work. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to hear directly from the photographer.
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
Call for Cat Photos
We invite you to submit a photograph of your cat.
All submitted photos will be displayed in the museum during the exhibition period.
We look forward to receiving a single, carefully chosen image from you.
Visitors who bring a photo during the exhibition period will receive a 10% discount on admission (not applicable with other discounts).
Photo size: L-size print (89 × 127 mm)
*Only cat photos taken by the contributor may be submitted.
*Submitted photos cannot be returned.
*If a person appears in the photo, please obtain their permission in advance.
*Submitted photos may be featured on the museum’s website or social media.