Masayuki Oki, renowned cat photographer, is set to enchant feline enthusiasts with his latest exhibition, "Which Neko, That Neko?" showcasing his latest, never-before-seen collection of cat photographs. The event is scheduled from February 21 to March 6, 2025, at Fujifilm Square, promising to offer viewers heartwarming and humorous portrayals of cats.
Oki is famous for his bestseller series titled "Dying Neko," which has garnered praise from prominent figures including Shigesato Itoi and Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. His talent for capturing the candid and often comical moments of cats has solidified his status as one of the most beloved cat photographers.
Expressing his philosophy, Oki reflects on his approach to photography by emphasizing the cats' comfort: "Having a human with a camera wandering around is exceptionally unnatural for cats. I always prioritize their needs to avoid scaring them or making them anxious.” This focus results in photographs where the essence of each cat shines through, dispelling the common misconceptions surrounding feral cats by portraying their dynamic and humorous personalities.
One standout piece features what Oki affectionately termed the "Kamen Rider Cat," showcasing the feline sporting what appears to be a superhero mask made from bicycle pedals. "This shot was taken at dawn during the summer when it was extremely hot," he recalls, detailing the process of lining up the pedal perfectly with the cat’s face to create the playful effect. "When I looked at the monitor, I was thrilled to see the alignment. I thought, 'What is this? How amazing!'”
Despite the joy of capturing these playful moments, Oki admits the challenges he faces. "Often, you'll notice the focus was on the pedal, not the cat. I joked with another photographer about having a competition to see who could capture the cat’s face with clear focus first, but it turned out to be quite tricky!" This enthusiastic humor adds to the story behind the image, making the audience connect more deeply with Oki’s work.
The exhibition, which Oki refers to as his "cat universe," spans approximately two years of work. It will feature photographs not just of adorable cats, but also quirky and unexpected moments capturing the full range of feline behavior. The entire venue will be filled with artwork, inviting attendees to immerse themselves fully.
A special photo spot will be set up at the exhibition where visitors can take pictures alongside Oki's artworks, enhancing the interactive experience. This opportunity to step inside the enchanting world of Oki’s photography makes the exhibition appealing not just to cat lovers, but to anyone seeking light-hearted fun.
Oki's work continues to resonate with fans and newcomers alike. Visitors can expect to see the familiar "cute" poses along with unique expressions, such as surprise and curiosity. Oki hopes everyone who visits leaves with warmth in their hearts after immersing themselves in the whimsical world of cats. He states, "There’s something inherently charming about capturing those moments where you think, 'Wait, cats do this?' That surprise is what I strive for with every photograph."
With the exhibition title hinting at the variety of moments and cats showcased, audience members can anticipate both familiar and surprising images. According to Oki, these photographs are more than just images—they tell stories of the personalities and quirks of these wonderful creatures.
This upcoming exhibition is set to keep cat lovers excited, and the anticipation builds as the dates approach. Those interested should mark their calendars for this not-to-be-missed event, where the perils of being photographed are transformed by Oki’s lens, and feline magic is captured beautifully. It's bound to be memorable, heartwarming, and above all, fluffy!