
In Japan, a hunched back is called neko-ze, which literally means cat’s back. These days, one of the most common places to see neko-ze is not actually in the feline world but in the office, where workers hunch over computers, inadvertently ruining their backs and causing all sorts of problems in the process.
In an attempt to remind workers not to slouch, Japanese toymaker Bandai is releasing a series of hunchbacked cats designed to sit next to your computer. One look at these during the workday and you’ll stop the office neko-ze.
Heightening the anticipation for the series is the promise of four secret cats in the collection. Showing only their silhouettes, sitting with perfect posture and straight backs, we’re curious to find out what these reformed cats look like!
Due for release on 24 June, the cats with bad posture will be available for 200 yen each (US$1.95) from toy capsule machines. Just cute enough for us to like them and just disturbing enough to make us sit up and notice, these cats might actually do the trick and straighten backs around the workplace!
Images: Gashapon World
[ Read in Japanese ]


Work-obstructing kitty instigates adorable game of cat and mouse in Japanese office 【Video】
Japan has a cat aptitude test to show off how much you know about our feline friends
Cute “koala” cat sings when she’s cuddled【Video】
Piggybacking Japanese cat capes and kitty backpacks will keep you warm and mobile 【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
What makes this new Japanese convenience store chain better than 7-Eleven?
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Badass cats blow up the internet, leave adoring humans in their wake
Cat Sushi figures return to Japanese vending machines! Our collection (and lives) are complete
We take a cat yoga class at a Japanese rescue cat cafe
Squeezable cat paw PC mouse is ready to give office workers a cute, mid-shift pick-me-up
Japanese cat Maru faces biggest dilemma yet: which tiny brown box to sit in
Famous Japanese writers get a new life as cats in weird gacha capsule toy range
Japanese vending machines now dispense adorably weird cat and crow figurines!
Leave a Reply