We’ve seen gorgeous character bentos and grated radish animals swimming in hotpot stews, but this winter it’s all about shivering rice cats begging to be covered in bright yellow omelette blankets.
The first cat to begin the trend was the star of a Japanese commercial for a local brand of eggs called Kiyora. In the ad, the sleepy kitten made from rice lies on a plate on the counter, waiting for its ‘owner’ to tuck him into a Japanese futon bed to keep warm.
Alas, after looking in the refrigerator, the cat’s creator finds the egg carton empty. Time to head off to the shop to buy a pack of Kiyora eggs!
People in Japan instantly fell in love with the adorable concept, which plays on the family-friendly ‘omurice’ dish, made from an omelette filled with ketchup-seasoned fried rice. Since the ad began airing last month, a number of sweet chilly cats have been appearing on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/makki_rui/status/663190640302272512 https://twitter.com/AoiGossipgirl/status/659346974567628800 https://twitter.com/dino_sa/status/658583070782566400https://twitter.com/flower_makaron/status/660442426713051136 https://twitter.com/tellme71/status/660421541029482496 https://twitter.com/39mirai1/status/659962240452308992きよらのCM見てずっと作りたいな～って思ってたオムライス作ってみた٩( 'ω' )و pic.twitter.com/5sfJNzoeay
— 瑠璃丸 (@ru_lily) November 1, 2015
The only problem, of course, is having to finish your meal when it looks this cute!
To welcome your own chilly cat to the dining table, simply wrap individual rice portions in plastic wrap or cling film and then mould them into rounded shapes before assembling them in a cat-shape on your plate. Add some cheese or sausage pieces for the face and ears and then finish with some cut nori seaweed pieces for the eyes and whiskers. All that’s left to do is cover your creation with an omelette and you’ve got the cutest weeknight dinner to surprise family and friends. Happy eating everyone!
Source: Grapee
Screenshots: YouTube/Kiyora Gourmet Shitate Official Channel
“Tail scarves” are the latest cute cat trend to warm our hearts this winter【Pics】
Sleeve cats are taking over the internet in Japan this winter
Here is a collection of sweet and silly cats to help warm you this winter 【Photos】
Watch X Japan’s Yoshiki tuck an adorable cat mascot to bed using a blanket of golden omelet
Japanese cats commandeer space heaters, owners left shivering from cold and cuteness 【Photos】
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
We found the world’s first Yakult 1000 soft serve, and it’s hidden away in Nara
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Ninja cats blend into their surroundings in photos on Japanese Twitter 【Pics】
Japanese cardboard-tank cats are here to conquer your heart and pillage your fridge【Pics】
How do Japanese cats stay warm and accessorize during winter? With tail scarves, of course!
Treat your cat to this tiny IKEA bed and they might just love you for it 【Pics】
We’ll take our kitties to go! Cats hanging out in bags will brighten your day 【Pics】
The cat returns! Giant cat sells sweet potatoes from a pussy wagon in Japan 【Pics & Video】
Cute “koala” cat sings when she’s cuddled【Video】
Gorgeous snow-white cat is effortlessly adorable as he keeps warm this winter【Monday Kickstart】
Adorable videos of cats chirping at birds wins the Internet for us today
Japan’s cats are figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu’s biggest fans【Pics】
This whacky Japanese cat looks hilariously buff, adorably fluff【Video】
These adorable handmade “cat bags” are all the rage online and with good reason!【Pics】