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Explore the Top 10 Magic of Japanese Cat Cartoon Shows

japanese cat cartoonJapanese cat cartoon shows are a fun and creative part of Japanese animation and comics. They feature cats as the main characters, often with unique personalities, cute designs, and heartwarming or funny stories. These cartoons can be found in manga (Japanese comics), anime (animated shows), and even short films. Some famous examples include lovable cats like Hello Kitty, Doraemon, and Chi from Chi’s Sweet Home. This article introduces you to the world of Japanese cat cartoons. Whether you’re a fan of cats or just curious about Japanese animation, you’ll find something to enjoy. We’ll explore why these cartoons are so popular, share some must-watch titles, and highlight their cultural significance. Get ready to dive into a world of adorable cats, unforgettable adventures, and lots of fun!

Doraemon

Type of Content: Animated TV series, movies, and manga
Published Date: Manga debuted in 1969; the first anime series aired in 1973.
Created By: Fujiko F. Fujio

japanese cat cartoon doraemonDoraemon is a famous Japanese cat cartoon about a friendly, blue robot cat from the future. He travels back to help a boy named Nobita Nobi, who struggles with school, bullies, and everyday challenges. Doraemon also has a special pocket on his belly filled with futuristic gadgets, like a time machine, a door that can take you anywhere, and many more. These gadgets are meant to solve Nobita’s problems but often lead to funny and unexpected situations.

The story focuses on the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita, teaching lessons about kindness, hard work, and the importance of making good choices. Doraemon’s adventures are loved by kids and adults alike for their humor, creativity, and heartwarming moments. It’s a tale of hope and imagination that has captured hearts worldwide.

Doraemon’s original color was yellow, but he turned blue after a mouse bit off his ears, making him so sad that he cried until his paint washed away.

Chi’s Sweet Home

Type of Content: Manga series and animated TV series
Published Date: The Manga was published in 2004, and its first Japanese animated film was aired in 2008.
Created By: Kanata Konami

chi from chi's sweet homeChi's Sweet Home is a heartwarming and cute Japanese cat cartoon about a cute, curious kitten named Chi. The story begins when Chi gets separated from her mother and is found by a young boy. Even though their apartment has a "no pets" rule, the family secretly takes Chi in and cares for her. The series follows Chi's daily life as she explores her new home, meets other animals, and gets into adorable mischief. Her playful and curious nature makes every moment fun and relatable for cat lovers.

At its core, the story highlights the bond between Chi and her human family, showing themes of love, belonging, and the joy pets bring to our lives. With its simple, heartwarming storytelling and adorable art style, Chi's Sweet Home is perfect for animal lovers of all ages. Moreover, you can find these series on sites like KissCartoon.

The manga creator, Kanata Konami, based Chi’s personality on her experiences with cats.

The Cat Returns

Type of Content: Animated movie
Published Date: Released on July 19, 2002
Created By: Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiroyuki Morita

baron japanese cat cartoon from the cat returnsThe Cat Returns is a charming animated movie filled with magic and adventure in Japan. The story follows Haru, the main character, a kind but shy high school girl who saves a cute cat from an accident. To her surprise, the cat can talk! Little did she know the cat was a prince from the Cat Kingdom, and as thanks, Haru was invited to the magical feline world.

However, when the cats want Haru to marry the prince, things get complicated. To escape, she seeks help from an antique shop owned by Baron, a gentlemanly cat figurine that comes to life, thanks to his artist. With Baron and his friends, Haru embarks on an exciting journey to find her courage and return home. Set in Japan, The Cat Returns is a delightful tale about self-discovery, friendship, and, of course, the irresistible charm of cats!

The cat figurine Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen from The Cat Returns movie, who saves Haru, originally appeared in the Whisper of the Heart anime movie.

Pokémon

Type of Content: Animated TV series, movies, and video games
Published Date: The original cartoon series premiered on April 1, 1997.
Created By: Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, produced by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures

meowth from pokemonOne of the popular Japanese animated series that follows the adventures of a young boy trainer named Ash Ketchum is Pokémon. Ash travels through different regions to become a Pokémon Master, catching and battling with various Pokémon magical creatures with unique abilities. His constant companion is Pikachu, a cute, electric-type Pokémon, who helps him in his journeys.

One of the major characters in the series is Meowth, a talking cat Pokémon who belongs to the criminal team Rocket. Meowth often causes trouble but has a unique personality that makes him stand out. Moreover, Pokémon is not just a Japanese animated film but also a global phenomenon, loved by children for its exciting battles, colorful characters, and fascinating creatures. The series teaches valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and never giving up, making it a favorite for kids worldwide.

Meowth is one of the few Pokémon that can speak human language, which makes him unique and entertaining.

Hello Kitty

Type of Content: Animated series
Published Date: First introduced in 1974
Created By: Yuko Shimizu - Sanrio

japanese cat cartoon hello kittyHello Kitty is a famous Japanese animated cat character created by Sanrio. Unlike other typical cats, Hello Kitty is depicted as a cute, white cat with a red bow on her left ear. She is often shown as a little girl who loves to have fun and make friends. This Japanese anime cat lives in London with her family, and her adventures focus on kindness, friendship, and positivity.

The character is known for her simplicity and sweetness, which makes her beloved by children and adults alike. Hello Kitty doesn’t have a mouth, which makes her expressions more universal and allows people to relate to her in their own way. Over the years, Hello Kitty has become a symbol of joy and friendship, appearing on various products, from toys to clothing. The cute cat remains a beloved figure in popular culture worldwide. If you want to rewatch this cartoon, you can visit some cartoon websites to watch cartoons like KimCartoon, Cartoons On, Cartoon Network, etc.

Hello Kitty, whose full name is Kitty White, has a twin sister named Mimmy, who wears a bow on the opposite ear.

Natsume's Book of Friends

Type of Content: Anime series and manga
Published Date: Manga debuted in 2003; anime first aired in 2008
Created By: Yuki Midorikawa

nyanko from natsumes book of friendsA young boy named Takashi Natsume, who can see spirits and youkai (supernatural creatures), is the main character in Natsume's Book of Friends, a Japanese anime. He inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits she had bound to her service. Then, Natsume decides to return the names in the book to their rightful owners. One of the most beloved characters is Nyanko-Sensei, a powerful spirit who chooses to become a round, chubby cat form. Though he looks cute, Nyanko-Sensei has magical powers, including the ability to fly, shape shift, amazing strength etc. He also has brown fur, and his paws often humor the story.

As Natsume and Nyanko-Sensei travel together, they form a strong bond. The series is full of heartwarming moments and magical adventures and teaches friendship, trust, and understanding lessons. Nyanko-Sensei is both a mentor and a loyal friend to Natsume throughout his journey.

Nyanko-sensei’s round, chubby cat form is inspired by a lucky charm called daruma, symbolizing perseverance and good fortune.

Kiki's Delivery Service

Type of Content: Japanese animated film
Published Date: Released on July 29, 1989
Created By: Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Studio Ghibli, based on the novel by Eiko Kadono

jiji the japanese cat cartoon on kikis delivery serviceKiki’s Delivery Service is a charming Japanese cat animation about a young girl witch named Kiki, who sets off to start her life as a witch-in-training. She is the protagonist, and she travels to a coastal town to find a place where she can practice her magic. She brings along her loyal pet, Jiji, a witty black cat who can talk and helps Kiki on her journey.

Jiji is an important character in the movie, offering advice, humor, and companionship to Kiki as she navigates her new life. She often appears as Kiki’s voice of reason, though she can be a bit suspicious at times. They live in a small house together, and Jiji plays a key role in Kiki’s adventures, helping her grow and gain confidence. The movie is about friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. In fact, this series has Japanese and American versions.

Jiji, Kiki’s cat, has a different personality in the Japanese and English versions—he’s cautious and wise in Japanese but sarcastic and funny in English.

Sailor Moon

Type of Content: Anime series and manga
Published Date: The manga first debuted in 1991, followed by the anime, which aired for the first time in 1992.
Created By: Naoko Takeuchi

luna and artemis from sailor moonSailor Moon is a popular anime series that follows Usagi Tsukino. It is a little girl who transforms into the magical warrior Sailor Moon to protect the Earth from evil. Along the way, she is joined by her friends, the Sailor Scouts, who also have special powers. In this series, two important characters are Luna and Artemis, both cute cats that guide the Sailor Scouts in their mission.

Luna is a black cat with a crescent moon on her forehead, and she acts as Usagi’s pet and mentor, providing her with advice and magical tools. Meanwhile, Artemis, another cat, is Luna’s partner and helps the other Sailor Scouts. These cats are crucial in the story, offering wisdom and support. Sailor Moon is beloved by kids for its exciting adventures, magical battles, and the charming personalities of characters like Luna and Artemis.

Luna and Artemis, the magical cats, were originally supposed to be ordinary house cats. Still, their design changed to fit the mystical theme.

Neighbor Totoro

Type of Content: Japanese animated film
Published Date: Released on April 16, 1988
Created By: Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Studio Ghibli

catbus from neighbor totoroAnother Japanese anime movie that tells the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father is My Neighbor Totoro. They discover magical creatures, the most famous being Totoro, a large, friendly forest spirit. One of the most memorable characters is the Catbus. This mythical creature looks like a cat but can transform into a bus with glowing windows.

The Catbus plays a key role in helping the sisters when they are lost or need to travel quickly. Unlike other ordinary life cartoons, My Neighbor Totoro focuses on the gentle magic of nature and childhood wonder. The Catbus is known for its playful tricks and mischievous ways, making it a star in the movie. This heartwarming Japan anime cat character is beloved for its unique, whimsical design and role in guiding the sisters through their adventures. Moreover, you can download this cartoon series on the KimCartoon website.

The Catbus in My Neighbor Totoro has twelve legs, making it super fast and unique.

The Prince of Tennis

Type of Content: Anime series and manga
Published Date: The manga was first published in 1999, and the anime adaptation premiered in 2001.
Created By: Takeshi Konomi

karupin from the prince of tennisThe Prince of Tennis is another popular Japanese manga and anime series about a talented young tennis player named Ryoma Echizen. Ryoma is a skilled tennis prodigy who joins the Seishun Academy tennis team and faces many challenges while making new friends. One of the characters in the series is Ryoma’s pet, a cute cat named Karupin, who is an important part of his life. Karupin has distinctive blue eyes and is often seen accompanying Ryoma.

Despite being a cat, Karupin is very close to Ryoma and serves as a comforting friend. Throughout the series, Ryoma grows both as a tennis player and as a person, building strong friendships with his teammates. The Prince of Tennis focuses on sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth, while Karupin adds a touch of warmth and cuteness to the story. The show has become a favorite for fans of sports anime and animal companions alike.

Karupin, Ryoma’s pet cat, is based on a real-life Himalayan cat owned by the manga creator Takeshi Konomi.

Extra Tips: How to Download Japanese Animated Film

Watching Chinese or Japanese animated films is fun and wholesome. But streaming them offline is most exciting as it allows you to watch them anytime and anywhere. One of the best cartoon downloaders on the internet is AceThinker CleverGet. AceThinker CleverGet is a versatile downloader that lets you download any HD-quality video. It supports 1000+ unique websites like YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix. The downloader also has a built-in browser, so you don’t need to open any other app to search and download. Furthermore, this downloader allows you to download in various formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, and more. This means you can watch your favorite anime and cartoons on any device. Besides, it also has a batch download feature, which is useful when downloading multiple videos since some cartoon anime is a series. Now, to learn how to use it, follow the below steps.

Free Download

Secure Download
Free Download

Secure Download

Step 1. Get the AceThinker CleverGet

To begin, choose a download button given above, depending on your OS, and click on it. Once you get the installer file, locate it and start the installation process. The tool will then automatically launch after the installation.

acethinker cleverget interface

Step 2. Find Your Favorite Cat Cartoon Series

Using CleveGet's built-in browser, go to the website where your favorite Japanese cartoon series is. Next, find the film or series you want to download and play it. Once played, click the download icon at the bottom-right corner to see the various download options.

find your favorite cat cartoon

Step 3. Download the Cartoon Series

Choose your preferred quality and format from the download options provided, then hit the download button. The download process will start immediately. After downloading, you will finally enjoy your favorite cat cartoon series on your device and stream them offline.

download the cat cartoon series

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Japanese cat cartoon?

Japanese cat cartoons are animated shows or manga (comics) that feature cats as main characters or important story parts. They are a popular theme in Japanese entertainment.

Why are cats so popular in Japanese cartoons?

Japanese culture sees cats as cute and mysterious, making them a favorite for stories. They also symbolize independence and playfulness, which fits well with many cartoon themes.

Do Japanese cat cartoons have a cultural meaning?

Yes, cats in Japanese cartoons often carry cultural meanings, like good luck and happiness. In Japanese folklore, cats are also symbols of mystery, independence, and curiosity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Japanese cat cartoons are a delightful blend of charm, adventure, and heartwarming stories. From the magical adventures of Doraemon to the cute mischief of Chi's Sweet Home, these cartoons bring cats to life in unique ways. Characters like Hello Kitty, Luna, and Jiji have become beloved figures, each offering lessons in friendship, courage, and kindness. Whether you're drawn to the playful antics of Pokémon's Meowth or the magical Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro, there's something for everyone. Watching these cartoons offline allows you to enjoy them anytime, anywhere, making your experience even more enjoyable. With their cute characters and captivating stories, Japanese cat cartoons are a must-watch for any cat lover.

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