Embark on a "Japan Cat Journey" this Summer at Mori no Machi Grace! Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition "Local Cats" Premieres in Okayama/Shikoku Area! Discount Advance Tickets on Sale from July 7

Mori no Machi Grace (https://www.morinomachi-grace.jp/) will host the "Local Cats" photo exhibition by animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago for the first time in the Okayama/Shikoku area from July 24, 2026 (Fri) to August 30, 2026 (Sun).

The exhibition will feature approximately 140 photographs collected by Iwago over about 10 years as he traveled to all 47 prefectures of Japan. The rich expressions, adorable gestures, and dynamic poses of cats living amidst the unique landscapes and daily lives of each region will be on full display. Original merchandise and Iwago's latest photo collections will also be available for purchase.

Discount advance tickets, priced 200 yen less than same-day tickets, will go on sale starting July 7 (Tue). Additionally, a gallery talk and signing session with Iwago himself will be held on August 8 (Sat).

Enjoy a moment of traveling across Japan with cats this summer vacation at Mori no Machi Grace.

Merchandise Sales

A wide array of limited-edition goods and photo books that cat lovers won't want to miss!

Be sure to check out the original merchandise exclusive to this photo exhibition.

【Examples】

・2027 Calendar

・Masking Tape

・Magnet

・Tote Bag

・Cap

・Uchiwa (fan) etc.

Mitsuaki Iwago Profile

Mitsuaki Iwago

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Iwago is an animal photographer. He has dedicated over half a century to photographing cats, his lifelong passion. In 2012, he began filming for the NHK program "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cats" (Iwagō Mitsuaki no Sekai Neko Aruki).

His books include "Neko" (Cats), "Koneko" (Kittens), "Pantanal," "Mitsuaki Iwago's Japan Cat Walk" (Iwagō Mitsuaki no Nihon Neko Aruki), and "Local Cats" (Gotouchi Neko).

Other titles include "What a Wonderful World," "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cats: Cats Under the European Sky" (Iwagō Mitsuaki no Sekai Neko Aruki: Europa no Sora no Shita), and "Gorongoron Nya" (Rolling Meow).

In 2019, he directed the film "Neko to Jiichan" (Cats and Grandpa), and in 2021, "Mitsuaki Iwago's World Cats: The Movie - As They Are, Cats of Water and Earth" (Gekijōban Iwagō Mitsuaki no Sekai Neko Aruki: Aru ga Mama ni, Mizu to Daichi no Neko Kazoku).

Official Website: https://iwago.jp/

Mitsuaki Iwago Gallery Talk & Signing Session Confirmed!

Mitsuaki Iwago will visit Mori no Machi Grace.

He will share episodes captured in his photographs, including encounters with cats from various parts of Japan and behind-the-scenes stories from his shoots.

【Date and Time】

August 8, 2026 (Sat)

111:00 AM – 22:00 PM

※Please check the official event website for details and participation requirements.

Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition "Local Cats" Event Overview

【Exhibition Period】

July 24, 2026 (Fri) – August 30, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)

【Venue】

Special Exhibition Hall, 3rd Floor, Mori no Machi Grace Office Square (2-10-12 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama City)

【Official Event Website】

https://morinomachi-grace.jp/iwago-mitsuaki_2026/

【Admission Fees】

<Advance Tickets> General/Adult: 1,200 yen / Elementary, Junior High, High School Students: 500 yen

<Same-Day Tickets> General/Adult: 1,400 yen / Elementary, Junior High, High School Students: 700 yen / Preschoolers: Free

※Visitors presenting a disability certificate will receive a 50% discount. (Accompanying person also receives a 50% discount for one person)

※All prices include tax.

【Sales Period】

<Advance Tickets> July 7, 2026 (Tue) – July 23, 2026 (Thu)

<Same-Day Tickets> July 24, 2026 (Fri) – August 30, 2026 (Sun)

【Sales Methods】

1 Lawson Ticket

Purchase via website or at Loppi terminals in stores (L-Code: 62803).

2 Venue

Same-day tickets will be sold at the venue entrance during the exhibition period (July 24 – August 30).

【Inquiries】

Dedicated TEL: 086-897-3263 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) *Before the exhibition, available only on weekdays.

Organizer: Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.

Planning & Production: Crevis Inc.

Cooperation: NHK Enterprise, Inc. *Event details are subject to change without notice.

Access Information

Mori no Machi Grace

Address: 2-10-8 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

URL: https://www.morinomachi-grace.jp/

【Access】

1 minute walk from the "Mori no Machi" bus stop (Okaden Bus)

1 minute walk from the "Sanyo Shimbunsha Mae, Mori no Machi Iriguchi" bus stop (Okaden Bus, Ryobi Bus)

12 minutes walk from JR Okayama Station (underground ticket gate)

11 minutes walk from the "Okayama Ekimae" tram stop (Okayama Electric Tramway)

【Parking】

Please use the multi-story parking lot. (400 spaces)

Parking Fee: 300 yen / hour

※Maximum daily charge: 1,500 yen

With parking service: Maximum daily charge 1,500 yen → 600 yen

Parking Service: 3 hours free with purchases of 1,000 yen or more at participating stores.

※Present your same-day event ticket stub at the Mori no Machi Plaza 1st Floor Service Counter (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) on the day of your visit for 3 hours of free parking.

Due to expected congestion on weekends and holidays, please use public transportation.