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The 3D Cat at Shinjuku East Exit

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The 3D Cat at Shinjuku East Exit

A new landmark in Shinjuku brought to life through 3D visuals.

3.40 10

Last update :
Supervised by :  YUNIKA Corp.

Located above the East Exit plaza of Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world, the giant 3D calico cat peers down at passersby in a dynamic video display. Since its debut in July 2021, the lifelike, seemingly popping-out 3D cat has captured widespread attention and has been featured in both domestic and international media.

The original calico cat was designed using intricate visual calculations that play on human optical illusions. It appears during breaks between advertisements, and to make sure you don’t miss it, a dedicated “Cat Channel” plays the 3D cat video every 15 minutes—on the hour and at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past. The cat’s movements, including its ear and tail motions that reflect its mood, and its love of high, narrow spaces, are impressively realistic and full of personality. Affectionately nicknamed “Neko-sama” (Lord Cat), the character is so popular that official merchandise like tote bags, T-shirts, and mugs are available.

This unique form of advertising has won numerous awards, including the Bronze in MEDIA LOTUS at the ADFEST 2022 (Asia Pacific Advertising Festival) and the 2022 ADC Award for Art Direction in Japan.

Highlights

  • A giant 3D calico cat overlooks passersby from above the East Exit plaza of Shinjuku Station.
  • A dedicated “Cat Channel” plays the 3D video every 15 minutes—at 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour.
  • Official merchandise such as tote bags, T-shirts, and mugs is also available.

Photos

  • Experience the stunning 3D effect that plays tricks on your eyes!

    Experience the stunning 3D effect that plays tricks on your eyes!

  • Featured in numerous media outlets, it has become Shinjuku’s new landmark.

    Featured in numerous media outlets, it has become Shinjuku’s new landmark.

  • Located in front of the East Exit plaza of Shinjuku Station.

    Located in front of the East Exit plaza of Shinjuku Station.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

There is free Wi-Fi provided by Shinjuku -ku.

Reviews

10

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    One of the most eye-catching sights on the streets of Shinjuku is the hugely popular giant 3D cat! Look up and you'll see it on a massive screen high above the street. The image is so three-dimensional that it looks as if the cat might jump out of the screen at any moment, and even its fur and movements look incredibly lifelike.

    The most interesting part is that the cat stretches, yawns, and pokes its head out to look down at the street. Combined with the glasses-free 3D effect, it feels as if a giant cat really lives inside a building in Shinjuku.

    When visiting Shinjuku, besides shopping, don't forget to look up and find this adorable cat and experience the unique appeal of technology and creativity coming together on the streets of Tokyo.

  • Linda Liao
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    The 3D cat animation at Shinjuku East Exit is so lifelike that it makes you gasp! The giant cat sometimes pokes its head out and sometimes stretches, looking so vivid that it seems like it could jump out of the screen at any moment. Many passersby stopped to take photos and videos, completely captivated by its cute, lively movements. It was seriously so cute〜

  • Kelvin Lin
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    First stop on our independent trip to Tokyo—Shinjuku photo op complete!

  • 雨妤魚
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    The kitty is super cute!

    It’s one of Shinjuku’s major landmarks, and there were seriously so many people taking photos. I filmed a video instead, and this is a screenshot from it~

    I was too hungry at the time, though, so right after filming I went to find something to eat haha

  • White
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    Every time I walk by, there’s a huge crowd stopping to take photos. Seeing everyone holding up their phones is pretty wild.

    The advertising effect is honestly really successful.

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Details

Name in Japanese
新宿東口の猫
Postal Code
160-0022
Address
CROSS SHINJUKU Building 3-23-18 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
7:00am - 1:00am
Admission
Free
Access
A short walk from East exit of Any Line’s Shinjuku Station.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa