As a proud cat parent (cat aunts and uncles count, too), have you ever looked at a cat lounging luxuriously and thought, “I wish I could be pampered like that”? With big holidays behind us, we could all use a reason to pause, celebrate, and treat ourselves. Fortunately, Japan—master of all things kawaii—has just the occasion: Cat Day! And ALBION has the perfect way to mark the moment with indulgent beauty picks and an exclusive offer.
How Japan Fell in Love with Cat Day
Every year on February 22, Japan celebrates Neko no Hi (Cat Day), a holiday dedicated to all things cat. The date—2/22—was chosen because the number "2" (ni) sounds like "nyan", the Japanese sound for a cat’s meow. So, a triple meow. This annual event has become a beloved tradition, with cat lovers across Japan indulging in cat-themed sweets and merchandise to social media tributes featuring their beloved pets.
The first recorded mention of a domestic cat in Japan appears in a diary written by Emperor Uda, where he expresses his deep affection for his pet cat, describing its elegance and charm in poetic detail. Over time, cats became cherished symbols of good fortune and protection, often depicted in traditional art, folklore, and lucky charms.
Cat Day is widely celebrated in Japan, with pet owners spoiling their feline companions with treats and new toys, although it is up for debate who is having more fun. Stores release limited-edition cat-themed products, and social media is flooded with posts of cats in costumes.
Famous Japanese Cats: From Lucky Charms to Pop Culture Icons
Japan has gifted the world some of the most beloved feline icons, each with a unique charm.
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Maneki Neko – The famous beckoning cat statue seen in shops and homes, believed to attract prosperity and good luck, and thought to have originated in the Edo period.
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Hello Kitty – Created by Sanrio in 1974 (the same year ALBION launched its Skin Conditioner!), this global icon of cuteness and positivity remains timeless.
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Mofusand – The internet’s latest feline sensation—adorably chubby cats in whimsical costumes, created by illustrator Juno.
From ancient times to modern day, Japan’s love affair with cats continues to inspire, delight, and bring joy—one “nyan” at a time.
Cat Day-Inspired Skincare & Beauty Picks
What does skincare have to do with cats? Cats are self-care pros—they groom meticulously, enjoy comfort unapologetically, and always find time to relax. Inspired by their effortless elegance, here are some ALBION beauty essentials that can help you achieve a cat-like level of self-care.
ALBION Balancing Milk
ALBION’s Balancing Milks—including EXCIA EMBEAGE Extra Milk and INFINESSE Pump Matrix Milk—are milky emulsions designed to balance the skin’s natural moisture levels after cleansing. A blend of powerful botanical ingredients fortifies and nourishes skin, while the overall formula plumps, helps minimize the appearance of pores, and promotes bouncy texture.
PAUL & JOE’s Cat-Tip Lipstick
No Cat Day would be complete without Paul & Joe’s iconic cat-tip lipsticks. Designed by Sophie Mechaly, whose personal love for cats (inspired by her own pets, Gipsy and Nounette) shaped the brand’s playful identity, these lipsticks are truly one of a kind! The adorable cat-shaped tip makes it as fun to apply as it is to wear!
Paul & Joe Beauté is a brand created by French designer Sophie Mechaly that blends French joie de vivre with Japanese beauty innovation. Made in Japan by ALBION, the exclusive beauty products are perfect for anyone who loves high-quality yet playful beauty.
PAUL & JOE’s Cat-Themed Makeup Collection
If cuteness overload is your goal, Paul & Joe’s Makeup Collection Set is what you or your gift recipient need. It includes the iconic cat-tip lipstick, a trio of eyeshadows, mascara, and a luxurious hand cream—all in signature Paul & Joe’s packaging with the cute cat illustrations. Parisian chic meets J-Beauty excellence in irresistibly kawaii packaging.
ALBION Skincare: A Cat-Inspired Approach to Self-Care
Cats are great at self-care—they know how to groom, stretch, nap, and enjoy life’s little luxuries. At ALBION, we believe that skincare is self-care. Just like a cat’s meticulous grooming keeps their fur sleek and healthy, a thoughtful skincare routine can nourish and protect our skin, helping it stay soft, hydrated, and naturally radiant.
Focus on Self-Care
Cats instinctively know how to rest, rejuvenate, and take care of themselves—and so should we! ALBION believes that skincare is self-care, a moment to pause, nourish both skin and mind, and restore balance. Based on Japanese beauty traditions, ALBION’s approach goes beyond hydration and radiance—it’s about creating a calming, restorative experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Whether you’re starting your morning with a moment of care or winding down in the evening, ALBION’s carefully curated Best Seller Kits or a limited edition, travel-friendly INFINESSE Trial Set make it easy to embrace a wellness-driven skincare ritual—one that’s good for your skin and your soul.
Soothing by Nature
Inspired by nature, ALBION’s formulas are enriched with botanical extracts to promote hydration, balance, and a radiant complexion. While we don’t use catnip in our formulas, we do embrace its spirit: a moment of pure relaxation and joy in your daily skincare ritual.
For example, ALBION’s latest innovation, ALBION EXCIA Double Key Advanced Serum, a high-performance dual-formula serum, is crafted with 21 botanical extracts, delivering deep hydration and nourishment. And ALBION Flora Drip, an iconic rejuvenating essence, is infused with the exclusive MYURAT™ complex, a fermented blend of five medicinal herbs to support skin vitality and glow.
Treat Yourself Like a Cat
Take inspiration from a feline in your life and turn your skincare routine into a luxurious, stress-free ritual. Whether it’s applying a silky essence, massaging in a deeply hydrating serum, or simply taking a moment to pause, treat yourself with the same care and confidence that a cat does. Good skincare is self-care.
Follow the ALBION 4-Step Skincare Ritual based on the principles of Japanese beauty to transform your skincare experience. Every step is designed to improve not just your skin but also wellbeing. We believe an intentional skincare ritual can provide a much-needed moment of mindfulness, serenity, and self-care in your busy day.
Special Cat Day Offer 🐾
Be more cat! From February 19 to February 26, spend $50 or more and receive six skincare samples: 3x INFINESSE Face Release Cleansing Cream and 3x ALBION Skin Conditioner Essential N. Cleanse, condition, and relax—because you deserve it. Meow—or should we say, nyan! 😺
