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
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
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
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
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]
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
Cute cat fights yearning desire to eat food on table with adorable results【Video】
Cute cat sleeps like a human, doesn’t even stir when his owner tucks him in