February 22 is recognized as “Cat Day” in Japan due to a wordplay connecting 2 (pronounced “ni” in Japanese), and “nyan” or “nya,” onomatopoeias for a cat’s meow, with the three twos in the date suggesting multiple meows.
Each year, as the date approaches, various cat-related products are released, and special events are held across the country.
“Meow Mission: Family Nyart!” What’s the highlight this year??
From February 18, 2025, the convenience store chain FamilyMart (hereafter “FamiMa”) is holding its annual “Meow Mission: Family Nyart!” We attended the press conference to find out what original products have been created this year!
Let’s introduce some of the standout items!
“Ti-Nya-Misu”
First is the “Ti-Nya-Misu” (a play on tiramisu and “nya”).
The highlight is the paw-shaped cream on top of tiramisu mousse and coffee sponge cake thoroughly soaked in coffee syrup.
This dessert, classified as a handmade item, has most of its processes done manually, with each paw-shaped cream carefully piped by hand!
The slight bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the cream blend perfectly, making it enjoyable to the last bite.
“Nyan-chi Pack”
Next is the ‘Nyan-chi Pack,’ a collaboration with Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.’s popular ‘Lunch Pack’ series! (“ran-chi pakku” in Japanese), swapping the first syllable with nyan to give it a feline twist.
The caramel-flavored, marbled bread is designed to resemble a tabby cat.
Inside, it’s filled with fresh caramel cream and milk whip, creating a rich and indulgent treat! Combined with the fluffy bread, the texture was excellent!
“Happy Nyaan”
There’s also a collaboration with KAMEDA SEIKA CO., LTD.’s popular rice snack “Happy Turn” (where ‘turn’ is pronounced with a long ‘a’ sound in Japanese) called “Happy Nyaan.”
This product features four cute packaging designs and heart-shaped rice crackers that resemble cat paws.
The tarako (salted cod roe) butter flavor offers a sweet and savory taste that can be quite addictive!
“Black Cat and White Cat Biscuit Sandwich”
Additionally, FamiMa has partnered with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. (commonly known as “Kuroneko Yamato,” and referred to as “Yamato” hereafter) for a special collaboration.
The 2025 product from this collaboration is the “Black Cat and White Cat Biscuit Sandwich.”
It features Yamato Group’s official characters “Kuroneko” (Black Cat) and “Shironeko” (White Cat), with designs on both sides for double enjoyment!
Inside, a smooth chocolate cream filling is sandwiched between slightly soft biscuits, creating a perfect match of textures.
Expressing gratitude to cats
Following last year, this marks the second consecutive collaboration between FamiMa and Yamato.
At the unveiling event, representatives from both companies took the stage to share their thoughts on the collaboration.
(Left) Yamato Transport’s Tatehito Yoshizawa, (right) FamilyMart’s Maiko Sawahata
Although the two companies are in completely different industries, they share the common trait of “supporting people’s basic livelihood.”
FamiMa reached out to Yamato, thinking, “When it comes to cats, Yamato is the perfect partner!” Yamato immediately agreed to the collaboration.
Both commented that “Through the ‘Meow Mission: Family Nyart!’ we want to express our gratitude not only to customers but also to cats.”
The event was further enlivened by the appearance of mascots Kuroneko and Shironeko!
Just as they spoke about their gratitude toward cats, FamiMa announced initiatives beyond just releasing original products as part of the “Meow Mission: Family Nyart!”
One of these is the setup of a “Pet Food Drive.” This activity collects unused pet food to donate to the Japan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Collection boxes are set up at the “Musubi Tamachi Store” in Tokyo, where the headquarters is located, as well as three stores with neko (cat) in their names: “Kawaguchi Neko-bashi Store” in Saitama Prefecture, “Chikusa Neko-hora-dōri Store” in Aichi Prefecture, and “Neko-ya-chō Store” in Hiroshima Prefecture.
At these locations, paw-shaped footprints guide you to the Pet Food Drive collection box!
Additionally, a portion of the sales from the campaign products will be donated to the Japan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to support local cat welfare activities.
The “Meow Mission: Family Nyart!” has announced various initiatives, including a record 21 types of original products.
Collaborations with popular illustrator Juno’s “mofusand” cats and cute packaging by cat specialist illustrator Coony are back this year too!
Not just sweets, but even the packaging of the convenience store’s popular and signature hot chicken snack “FamiChiki” has been given a cat makeover!
During the event period, it comes in five different cute cat package designs!
Note: Some stores may not carry these items. Limited quantities available until sold out.
Many other original products that you’ll want to pick up and campaigns that you’ll want to join were also announced.
If you’re a cat lover, why not stop by a FamiMa during your visit and enjoy “Cat Day” to the fullest!
