Japan social media trends feature viral cat growth and pet photography

Social media users in Japan have responded warmly to viral content featuring the growth and antics of cats.

Cat photographer Ichigo Amaki shared a video on Instagram documenting the 77-day growth of a rescued kitten named Ichie. The kitten, who was found abandoned in a plastic bag alongside five siblings, grew from approximately 100g at one day old to 1.5kg by day 77. The video, which has garnered over 1 million views, captures the kitten's physical development, including the opening of its eyes and the growth of its ears and body.

Separately, renowned animal photographer Mitsuo Iwahara shared photos of his cats, Tama and Tomo, on social media. The posts highlight a playful interaction where Tomo successfully hid inside a paper bag to surprise Tama, displaying what viewers described as a clever and satisfied expression after the prank.