
Mako, also known as “the cat with the strange face,” may not be as globally recognized as Maru, but we have a feeling she’s going to start gaining a few fans after the release of her very own book of pictures and set of stationary. Mako is the star of a Japanese photoblog, but the site also includes her three brothers and sisters, all of whom are also featured on a few of these adorable products. Let’s take a closer look!
The set goes by the same name as the blog: まこという名の不思議顔の (“The strange-faced cat called Mako”), but with the addition of “Mako Mako Dream BOX”. And what a dreamy box it is! Here’s what’s inside:
▼ First up in the set is an adorable book cover featuring Mako.
▼ You’ll also receive Mako envelopes, to hold all of your good ideas.
▼ There’s also a pen featuring not only Mako, but Eita, Shirotaro, and Shion.
▼ And what kind of stationery set would it be if it didn’t include a pencil case?
▼ But perhaps the cutest part of the set is the Mako photobook, filled with cute kitty poses.
▼ Here’s a peek at the inside:
Isn’t Mako just the cutest? But even if you’re not yet convinced of Mako’s charmingly strange face, head on over to her blog with an open heart and a bit of Japanese language skill, and we’re sure you’ll be in love after the first few posts!
(c) Keiko Maeda, Yutaro Oka
[ Read in Japanese ]







Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Yoshinoya invites you to give the gift of beef bowls this Mother’s Day
The complete guide to sushi in one handy picture
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Yoshinoya invites you to give the gift of beef bowls this Mother’s Day
The complete guide to sushi in one handy picture
Kit Kat taxis blessed by Shinto priest offer good luck to test-taking passengers
Two new Pokémon parks coming to Oshawott’s prefecture, plus new Pokémon manhole covers【Video】
25 different Japanese convenience store sandwiches – What’s inside them?【Photos】
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
These Guys Keep All Their Cuteness Even When Cooked! We Try Deep-Fried Axolotl in Osaka
Video explores fencing strikes and rules, looks super badass 【Video】
Haikyu fan event lets you step onto the court, see what it’s like to play with the anime athletes