
The top 10 includes four fabulous guys and six gorgeous girls. Who will you vote for?
Ladybeard, our friendly neighborhood bearded schoolgirl, has been extra busy recently promoting his idol band LADYBABY, performing in metal concerts and rocking the “muscley guy in cute clothing” angle. At the moment however, he’s most excited about making it to the finals of the 11th Annual Otaku Senryu Contest, which is a competition that seeks out the greatest “cat-eared, lolita-style character” to serve as the Nyanko Master of Ceremonies.
Presented by the .moe Internet domain (yes, that actually exists), the contest this year has no rules for who can participate. There are no restrictions based on age, gender or nationality, which explains the wonderful diversity of the top 10.
So who is Ladybeard facing off against in this cute and cat contest?
▼ First is Mitaka (female), who is looking to defend her title as the winner from last year.
https://twitter.com/mitaka_cos/status/696845001372733440▼ Then there is Poemu (female), who works at a maid café in Akihabara.
https://twitter.com/poepoedotcom/status/696705780586668033▼ Also competing is Magical Nekoji (male), who was chosen for the “Best 30” in the 28th annual Junon Super Boy Contest.
https://twitter.com/kazukisoe/status/694526863075471360But wait, there are more! Others in the top 10 include…
▼ Emi Arisaka (female)
一週間以上ぶりに自撮りした。お化粧も。仕方忘れるまであるな。 pic.twitter.com/aqGNZfbuRq
— 有坂愛海(37) 🍓🍊 (@arisakaemi) February 9, 2016
▼ Omochi Neko (female)
https://twitter.com/inoueaoi0308/status/696677665382608897▼ Goneko (male)
https://twitter.com/15nek0/status/696645724881092608▼ Metamon (male)
https://twitter.com/CCamus1226/status/696624812903440385▼ Hinariru Etopirika (female)
2ネコミミ目。 pic.twitter.com/dfTic9K53Q
— ひなりる(。•θ•。)♡笑顔で過ごす♡ (@noir_chat22) February 9, 2016
▼ Garo Dazay (female)
第11回オタク川柳&猫耳キャラコンテストの3次元の部ファイナリストに選ばれました!!
— 太宰ガロの復帰を今暫くお待ちください。 (@gr_dzy) February 8, 2016
是非ガロに投票よろしくお願いします!応援よろしくお願いします!
投票(3/7締切)はこちらから⇒ https://t.co/RAqwlujKjf pic.twitter.com/mmOK9XRSV3
Along side choosing a real-life “3-D character” winner, there is also a 2-D mascot contest where people have submitted their best lolita characters to compete for top prize. The top 10 finalists span a whole range of artistic styles but all of them feature the requisite cat ears.
All the “3-D” contestants are avid cosplayers so whoever is chosen will properly represent cat-eared people from Japan in the Paris Japan Expo. The Top 4 finalists, as determined by online vote, will fly to Paris as well as receive a cash prize. You can vote today for both 2-D and 3-D contests from now until March 7, so be sure to cast your ballot for the most “cat-eared lolita” here today!


Student amused to find entry—and corresponding visual—for “cat ears” in his electronic dictionary
Junon Super Boy Contest finalist wows the Internet with his beauty
A parade of Sanrio characters celebrate Cat Day over Twitter with cat ears and more
The “beautiful boy” Mister Bishoujo Contest is over, but who was crowned the prettiest boy?【Pics】
And the winner of the Street Fighter V “Miss Chun-Li Cosplay Contest” is… Zangief?!
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Google’s Go-playing AI has been turned into a beautiful, moe-ified anime character
Ladybeard x Sailor Suit Old Man star in “dream collaboration” at school!
【Monday Kickstart】See the silly kitty and more vying for the prize in the “Pet Bragging Contest”
Cute “koala” cat sings when she’s cuddled【Video】
Japanese cat with a cat on its face defeats countless rivals for Internet attention【Video】
Rice cats feel the cold, need omelette blankets this winter【Pics & Video】
Cat says good morning to its owner in Japanese【Videos】
Japanese high school boys hold annual beauty pageant, look as cute as ever【Pics】
Sleeve cats are taking over the internet in Japan this winter
Miss Universe contestants promote inner beauty with no-make-up selfies
Pokémon cat cosplay hoods are now on sale, and adorable【Photos】
Japanese cats appear to be building resistance to cat-deterrent spikes, Twitter reveals【Photos】
Japanese netizens create adorable, edible “cat bread” 【Pics】
Winners of manga magazine beauty contest no longer appear in bikinis at awards ceremony