While Japanese coin box toys feature sweet cats who kindly take your change for safekeeping, real cats like this prefer to do other things with your money!
Japanese Itazura Banks are cute little money box toys that look like cardboard boxes, each with an adorable animal like a cat hiding inside. Once a coin is placed on the side of the box, a paw reaches out to grab the money and slides it inside for safekeeping.
▼ This short clip shows just how adorable these little money boxes can be.
The coin boxes are so popular in Japan that the manufacturers have even released Hello Kitty and Godzilla versions. Inspired by the clever products, one cat owner in Japan decided to create the ultimate Itazura Bank – with a real, live cat. What could be cuter than a real kitten’s fluffy paw popping out to take a coin from its owner? That was the thought behind the creation of the homemade cardboard box toy, but in reality, things turned out to be a whole lot funnier than expected, as the cat does anything but take the coin from the owner. From grabbing at his hands to swiping the money away, there’ll be no savings in the house with a money box like this!
https://twitter.com/hiraemi_715/status/763571720259198977Since the cat’s owner, Twitter user @hiraemi_715, posted the funny video online, it’s received more than 40,000 likes and retweets. And if you’re worried about how the cat actually got into the box, this footage, taken from a different angle, shows the cat isn’t confined but is able to go in and out freely without assistance.
https://twitter.com/hiraemi_715/status/763681224137125889So how does the real-life version of the Itazura Bank work? First, you put the coin by the side of the box…
▼ And then the cat will reach out, claws extended, to scratch your hand!
▼ On other occasions, it will miss the coin entirely…
▼ Or simply swipe it far away! What a marvellous invention!
The funny video has been making Japanese Twitter users laugh out loud, with comments like:
“It’s more like a bloody piggy bank!”
“That looks like a painful way to try to save!”
“I can’t stop laughing at the huge difference between this and the cute toy box!”
“At least he retracted his claws for a handshake halfway through.”
“The ending was hilarious! How typical for a cat to swipe the money away.”
With a cat as funny as this, we’re sure its human won’t be able to resist continuing with the challenge to eventually get a coin in there one day. It might take forever to save anything, but the laughs generated in the process will be priceless!
Source: Hamusoku
Top Image: Twitter/@hiraemi_715
Screenshots: Twitter/@hiraemi_715




Pikachu money box is the cutest way to save money this year
Is this cute coin bank the ultimate expression of Hello Kitty’s true reason for existing?
Hatch dinosaurs by saving your money in new line of Japanese toy coin banks
Cute cat bank collects coins, makes fiscal responsibility adorable 【Videos】
New “All Night Cat Watch” toy series created in Japan to keep late sleepers company
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Why you should visit Shizuoka, the green tea oasis in the middle of Japan’s golden route
Pray for sound health for your beloved pets this Setsubun with special good luck sushi rolls just for them
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
10 things Japan gets awesomely right
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
East Japan’s 10 most magical winter scenery experiences, as chosen by travelers
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Cute cat finds way to make humans bow down and worship him at Japanese shrine
Japanese vending machines now dispense cute cup clinging cats!
Cute cat stays cool in Japanese heat by snuggling up inside Dyson fan
Japanese cat sleeps so hard it flattens its head, scores a cuteness critical hit
Japanese Twitter falls in love with trash cat who jumps out of trash can【Video】
Cute cat shows us how to bow in apology, Japanese style【Video】
Leave a Reply