Cat Day is observed in Japan every February 22, celebrating the country's affection for cats, which are among the most popular domestic animals there. The holiday, also known as "Nyan Nyan Nyan Day," derives its name from the Japanese word for "meow," as the date 22/2 is pronounced similarly to "nyan nyan nyan." The first written mention of Cat Day dates back to 1987, although it likely originated earlier. On this day, pet shops and cat owner associations host special events, and many people share photos and videos of their cats online. Japan is known for its high cat population and features cat-themed cafes and even a cat island in Fukuoka Prefecture. The maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, is a common symbol associated with good luck in Japanese culture.