A Captivating Calendar Featuring the Whimsical Lives of Eight Cats

On September 3, 2026, Tatsumi Publishing will release the delightful 2027 calendar titled "Neko Neko Kore Koji," showcasing the charming antics of eight cats living in a small, historical house in Kyoto. This captivating calendar is the brainchild of acclaimed photographer Atsuyuki Oshima, who beautifully captures the daily lives of these cats against the backdrop of Japan's rich wildlife.

Atsuyuki Oshima has garnered significant recognition both domestically and internationally. His talent was acknowledged this year as a finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 competition. His works have been exhibited across four continents and in twenty-five countries, showcasing his devotion to wildlife and domestic animal photography. Expanding his artistic endeavors, Oshima plans to hold a photo exhibition titled "Monkeys and Cats" in Tokyo in January 2026 and was recently featured on the BS-TBS program "Neko Jiman" in February.

This calendar is a collection of sweet and whimsical moments featuring Oshima's free-spirited feline companions. It includes previously unpublished photographs along with selected images that have garnered considerable attention on social media platform X (@atyk12).

In May, Oshima remarked, "In our small, old house, eight cats form a big family that unfolds moments of delightful chaos. Within our ordinary daily lives, precious times are captured. Though cats may not be aware of the calendar, living with them makes me appreciate the beauty of seasons and time even more."

Let's glimpse into some of the delightful occurrences documented in this unique calendar:
- January: While clearing up groceries, the cat "Chobi" was seen unraveling toilet paper next to me. With the help of "Masayoshi," my cats have turned tidying up into a daily routine, transforming our home into a much tidier space.
- February: Each morning, the cats gather on the cat tower by the engawa (a traditional Japanese corridor) to watch the garden. Oddly enough, the six siblings are rarely all present, showcasing their unique personalities and relationships.
- April: "Haku," once a stray cat, gave birth to kittens in my barn. At just one month old, the six kittens can be seen moving around unsteadily and yet suddenly collapsing into a deep sleep. During this time, their individual personalities, from the playful to the shy, began to emerge.
- July: A trio of mischievous cats sneaks into my workroom through the sliding door. Led by "Chobi," followed by "Tora" and "Masayoshi," they are always looking for new adventures.
- December: My resident cat "Mei" constantly craves my attention. While engrossed in work, she tries to pique my interest by peeking through the sliding doors of the bedroom. Each of my cats is affectionate in their own unique way, showcasing distinct personalities.

Profile: Atsuyuki Oshima

Atsuyuki Oshima is an animal photographer based in Kameoka, Kyoto, originally from Ina, Nagano Prefecture. He captures wildlife around the globe and shares his work through various media and photo exhibitions. His life’s work revolves around photographing pets and local stray cats, aiming to document the lives of these animals living in concert with humans and society.

In 2023, Oshima was honored as a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He is also a contributor to the magazine "Neko Biyori," where he currently serializes "Neko Neko Kore Koji."

For more updates and adorable cat moments, follow him on X or Instagram.

The 2027 calendar is available for purchase through Amazon here and on Rakuten Books here. Happy cat-watching!