Meet the Three Cats of Izakaya Akanasu
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Izakaya Akanasu is just a minute's walk from Ekoda Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line in Nerima, Tokyo. Beyond the sign that says "Cat Izakaya" is a haven for those with a penchant for both cats and drinks.
"Our main attraction is definitely the cats," says Chacha, who manages the place and refers to themself as the "cats' servant." The entrance to izakaya Akanasu.
Customers are greeted by two male orange tabbies — 14-year-old Chi and 13-year-old Non — and a 13-year-old female calico named Tabi. All three appear comfortable around people and never shy away from being petted. Chi relaxing on a chair. Non (left) and Tabi.
In March 2024, Chacha took over from the original owner, who had run Akanasu for 12 years. After a brief closure, the izakaya reopened with a fresh new look — while keeping the cats, of course.
New features include a transparent catwalk called "Paw Pad Road," where guests can watch the cats stroll overhead, and "Nyankore Road," a runway-style walkway designed just for them. Tabi sitting on "Nyankore Road."
The signature dish here is the "Nyapolitan." It's a fun twist on the Japanese pasta dish Napolitan. "Nya" is the Japanese onomatopoeia for "meow." "Nyapolitan," the izakaya's signature dish.
The izakaya offers a variety of dishes including classic izakaya favorites like chilled tofu and Japanese rolled omelet, often made with seasonal ingredients.
Chef Eiji Kusaka says proudly, "There aren't many places that combine cats and drinks like this. We put a lot of care into our food, and we hope our customers enjoy both." Chi playing with regular customers.
The izakaya draws a diverse crowd, but about 70% are women, many visiting with their partners. Chacha smiles warmly, "Cat lovers are wonderful people. I'm lucky to have such great customers and really enjoy working here."
Regular visitor Yusuke Sato, a judicial scrivener who lives nearby, comes two to three times a week. "Sometimes I drink here and then head out elsewhere," he says, "but I always come back because I want to see the cats. The more I visit, the more attached they get to me, and that makes me really happy." Tabi surveys the room from "Nyankore Road."
Akanasu is open weekdays from 5 PM to 11 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 2 PM to 11 PM. It's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Author: Yuta Yasumoto, The Sankei Shimbun
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