If you’ve ever seen shoji, the sliding wood-framed paper doors that are a common element of traditional Japanese architecture, you’ve probably been overcome by two strong emotions. First, a sense of admiration for the timeless beauty of the elegantly simple aesthetic. Second, a burning desire to know just how hard you can poke that translucent paper before you puncture it.
Poking holes in the shoji paper is a major faux pas, however, and even young kids in Japan know they’re supposed to resist the temptation. It doesn’t look like this kitty got the message, though, as it unleashes its adorably destructive hunting instincts on a defenseless shoji in this video.
While the materials that go into shoji aren’t particularly pricey, the craftsmanship that goes into making the doors means that they can be expensive to repair. As such, you’d ordinarily want to keep your cat and its sharp claws as far away from your shoji as possible if your pet is feeling energetic or aggressive.
Japanese Twitter user @nyanmagemaru, however, had decided to get rid of one of her shoji doors entirely. Having pulled it off its track, the door’s next stop was going to be the trash, but the pet owner decided to take the rare opportunity to turn the shoji into a giant cat toy.
But just how exactly do you do that? Well, first you set the shoji down between yourself and the cat. Next, take a cotton swab and press it lightly against the paper.
The cat does the rest.
https://twitter.com/nyanmagemaru/status/650606837251747840The feline demolition job was well-received by Japanese Internet commenters.
“So cute♪”
“Lovely!”
“I could watch this over and over.”
“It’s really enjoying itself-give it another!”
Even if its aim is a little off at times, the cat is clearly determined to help get that shoji ready for the garbage pile. But now that the animal knows the door’s weak spots, we’re hoping that whatever portal @nyanmagemaru replaced it with is made of sturdier stuff.
Source: Hamster Sokuho, Twitter/@nyanmagemaru

Cats in Japan still unable to resist destroying sliding paper doors in most dramatic way possible
Cat crashes through sliding paper door and right into the internet’s heart 【Pics】
Cute cat surprises owner with ability to walk through walls
“Oh hello there, human!” Cute cat peeking through paper turns hilariously cat-astrophic 【Pics】
Video of crafty cat’s escape from behind bars shows no simple cage can hold him
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off
Elderly couple donates 400 million yen to erect Myaku-Myaku statue in Osaka
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Japan Railways announces unlimited-ride train pass for fall travel
Lawson convenience store opens its first mobile, trailer-style location in Japan
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Cats are actually caterpillars?!? Japanese cat caught emerging out of cocoon of cute
Fix holes made by cats on screen doors and windows with cute new patches from Felissimo
Japan’s new custom-order cat-theme toilet paper lets you wipe your butt with cuteness
Your home office will never be safe from your cats, video from Japanese artist shows【Video】
This cat has a super cute reaction to Japanese owner’s beckoning hands 【Video】
Cute cat rescues sister from cardboard box 【Video】
Japanese cat gets in on trick-or-treating fun without saying a word thanks to clever idea【Video】
Traditional Japanese architecture proves too irresistible for curious cat
Cute cat puts smile on owner’s face with adorable surprise behind closed door
Adorable cats from Japan impede drum practice, get our hearts drumming too【Video】