Cat-Themed Craft Market 'CAT CIRCUS' Expands to Three Venues, Set for September 26–27 in Seto, Aichi

Illustration by Izumi Shiokawa

Chugaitoen Co., Ltd. (Seto City, Aichi Prefecture; President and CEO Yasuhiro Suzuki) will host the cat-themed craft market 'CAT CIRCUS' on September 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2026.

This year’s second edition expands the venue lineup to include not only STUDIO 894 but also Omodakaya and the Maneki-neko Museum. Held in conjunction with the annual 'Kurafuku Maneki-neko Festival in Seto'—celebrating Seto’s status as one of Japan’s top maneki-neko (beckoning cat) production centers—the event will gather diverse vendors offering cat-themed crafts, goods, food, and workshops.

Over these two days, cat lovers and enthusiasts can explore unique handmade crafts, accessories, and delicious food offerings across the three venues. Special exhibitions and limited-time sales unique to Seto, the town of maneki-neko, will also be featured. Visitors are encouraged to tour the three adjacent venues and enjoy Seto’s charm alongside the 'Kurafuku Maneki-neko Festival'.

Event Overview

Name: CAT CIRCUS

Dates: September 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2026 | 10:00–17:00

Venues: STUDIO 894 (1 Yakushimachi, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture MAP) Omodakaya (3 Yakushimachi, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture MAP) Maneki-neko Museum (2 Yakushimachi, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture MAP)

Access: 8-minute walk from Owari-Seto Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line

*Event proceeds rain or shine. In case of cancellation due to severe weather, updates will be posted on STUDIO 894’s official Instagram (@studio894_in_seto).

Venue Details

STUDIO 894

Features craft and art exhibitions, workshops, and food stalls.

Omodakaya

Displays and sells adorable cat plush toys and uniquely designed maneki-neko.

Maneki-neko Museum

Houses a vast collection of maneki-neko. During the event, it will feature a limited-time exhibition and sale of cats that 'feel familiar though you’ve never seen them before'.

Participating Vendors

*Selected items only

CRAFT & ART

Venue 1: STUDIO 894

i10

Cat Plates

CLOAKROOMS

PANTOUFLE (Slippers)

TERACE

Keychains

8000000works

Cat Goods

harutoke

Maneki-neko

yukino

Cat Pillows

nekonohige

Mini Rugs

Roji

Embroidered Caps

Venue 2: Omodakaya

STUDIO STITCH WORKS

Cat Plush Toys

Chugaitoen

Exhibition of Unique Maneki-neko

Venue 3: Maneki-neko Museum

Byakuga-ki

Fuku-mamori Neko (Calico)

SWEETS & FOOD

Venue 1: STUDIO 894

Oguraya

Cat-shaped Cookies

Yasuchan’s Snack Stand

Baked Goods & Additive-Free Treats for Dogs and Cats

HodgePodgeBakeShop

'Nyan-tomo Delicious' Butter Sandwiches

OKD KOMINKA BREWING

Craft Beer

JAMMIN' STAND HOUSE

Cuban Sandwiches

STAND UDONLOVE.

Kasu Udon

*Available only on Sept. 26 (Sat): HodgePodgeBakeShop *Available only on Sept. 27 (Sun): Oguraya, Yasuchan’s Snack Stand

WORKSHOP & EXPERIENCE

Venue 1: STUDIO 894

Miho Yamazaki (daborabo)

Neko Nigaoe (Cat Caricatures)

Workshop: Artists will draw your 'cat version' (Neko Nigaoe) or a 'human version of your cat' (Gyaku Neko Nigaoe) on-site.

*Handcrafted cat goods and artworks will also be available for sale.

Print Image

CAT CIRCUS

Original Logo Screen Printing Workshop

Bring your own eco-bag, T-shirt, or other item to have the 'CAT CIRCUS' original logo screen-printed on-site.

Kurafuku Maneki-neko Face Painting

Enjoy face painting and cat-ear accessories inspired by maneki-neko. During the event, attendees with cat makeup will enliven Seto’s streets, turning the entire town into a feline-themed celebration. Come dressed as a cat and enjoy exploring CAT CIRCUS and the 'Kurafuku Maneki-neko Festival in Seto' through a unique walking tour of Seto.

About Chugaitoen Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1952 in Seto—a pottery town with over 1,000 years of history and tradition—Chugaitoen is a ceramic craft manufacturer operating under the kiln name 'Yakushi-gama'. The company specializes in lucky charms such as zodiac ornaments and maneki-neko, as well as seasonal decorations. Guided by the philosophy of 'ceramics that touch the heart', Chugaitoen handles all processes in-house, from planning and design to manufacturing. Its products are sold throughout Japan and internationally in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In recent years, the company has collaborated with brands like 'BEAMS JAPAN' and 'Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten', creating contemporary products that honor tradition while appealing to new generations.

Chugaitoen also operates 'STUDIO 894', a pottery painting experience studio with a curated café and art gallery; the 'Maneki-neko Museum', housing around 5,000 maneki-neko; and 'Omodakaya', a shop specializing in Chugaitoen’s lucky charms and collaborative products. Through these spaces and experiences, the company continues to promote the cultural charm of Seto’s pottery heritage.