A blend of art, food and animal welfare in traditional house exhibition

Osaka-based NPO CATS WELCARE is hosting a charity art exhibition in a renovated traditional house, continuing its efforts to create a welcoming space for the public to connect with and support rescue cats. It will be held at Holy House, the NPO’s new multi-purpose facility in Abeno Ward, which combines a cat shelter, an art space, and a natural food restaurant.

The exhibition features the work of artist and media personality Maya Nogami, whose colourful and energetic pieces are described as having a Latin influence.

CATS WELCARE was founded as a voluntary group in 2019 and became an NPO in 2023. It focuses on rescuing cats from situations such as multi-cat household collapses and abandonment due to owner hospitalisation. To date, the organisation has successfully rehomed over 300 cats but reports that requests for protection are continuously increasing.

CATS WELCARE established Holy House in April 2025 to challenge the perception of animal shelters. Such facilities are often seen as “a special place that only a portion of people with a specific purpose visit.” The NPO wants to create an environment where as many people as possible can learn about, become interested in, and welcome rescue cats into their homes. By integrating the shelter with a public-facing gallery and restaurant, the organisation lowers the barrier for entry and make supporting animal welfare a more casual, everyday activity.

Visitors to the exhibition can view and purchase art, dine at the “Natsume” restaurant, or enjoy traditional Japanese sweets from the famous “Shizuku” confectionery, all while looking out onto a Japanese garden. Proceeds from sales will contribute directly to the NPO’s operational costs. On the second floor, a shelter room allows visitors to interact directly with the resident cats.

CATS WELCARE was founded as a voluntary group in 2019 and became an NPO in 2023. It focuses on rescuing cats from situations such as multi-cat household collapses and abandonment due to owner hospitalisation. To date, the organisation has successfully rehomed over 300 cats but reports that requests for protection are continuously increasing.

Details

• Location: Holy House (Google Map)
• Dates: 8 August to 31 August 2025
• Fee: Exhibition is free to enter, with a one-drink minimum policy