Mori no Machi Grace (https://www.morinomachi-grace.jp/) is hosting animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago's photo exhibition "LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS" for the first time in the Okayama and Shikoku area, running from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 30, 2026.
The venue will display around 140 photographs that Iwago captured over roughly a decade while traveling across all 47 of Japan's prefectures. The exhibition is filled with cats living amid the scenery and daily life unique to each region, capturing their rich expressions, endearing gestures, and lively movement. Original merchandise and Iwago's latest photo book will also be available for purchase.
Advance tickets, priced ¥200 less than same-day tickets, go on sale from Tuesday, July 7. On Saturday, August 8, Iwago himself will also host a gallery talk and autograph session.
This summer, enjoy a journey across Japan alongside cats at Mori no Machi Grace — a perfect destination for a summer vacation outing.
Merchandise
A wide selection of limited-edition goods and photo books await cat lovers.
Be sure to check out the exhibition's original merchandise, available only at the venue.
Examples include:
- 2027 calendar
- Masking tape
- Magnets
- Tote bag
- Cap
- Round hand fan
- And more
About Mitsuaki Iwago
Mitsuaki Iwago
Born in Tokyo in 1950, Iwago is an animal photographer who has spent more than half a century photographing cats close to everyday life as his lifework. Since 2012, he has been filming the NHK program 「岩合光昭の世界ネコ歩き」.
His books include 『ねこ』, 『こねこ』, 『パンタナール』, 『岩合光昭の日本ねこ歩き』, 『LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS』, 『この素晴らしき世界 What a Wonderful World』, 『岩合光昭の世界ネコ歩き ヨーロッパの空の下』, and 『ごろんごろんニャー』, among others.
He also served as film director for 「ねことじいちゃん」 in 2019 and 「劇場版 岩合光昭の世界ネコ歩き あるがままに、水と大地のネコ家族」 in 2021.
Official website: https://iwago.jp/
Gallery Talk and Autograph Session with Mitsuaki Iwago
Iwago will be visiting Mori no Machi Grace in person.
He will share episodes behind his photographs, including encounters with cats across Japan and behind-the-scenes stories from his shoots.
Date and Time
Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Session 1: 11:00 AM
- Session 2: 2:00 PM
*For event details and participation requirements, please check the event's official website.
Mitsuaki Iwago Photo Exhibition "LOCAL HERO OF JAPANESE CATS" Event Overview
Exhibition Period
Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM)
Venue
Special venue on the 3rd floor of Mori no Machi Grace Office Square (2-10-12 Shimoishii 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama City)
Official Event Website
https://morinomachi-grace.jp/iwago-mitsuaki_2026/
Admission
Advance Ticket: General/Adult ¥1,200 / Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students ¥500
Same-Day Ticket: General/Adult ¥1,400 / Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students ¥700 / Preschool Children Free
*Visitors presenting a disability certificate receive half-price admission (up to one companion also receives half-price admission).
*All prices include tax.
Sales Period
Advance Ticket: Tuesday, July 7 to Thursday, July 23, 2026
Same-Day Ticket: Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 30, 2026
How to Purchase
- Lawson Ticket: Available via the website or at Loppi in-store terminals (L-code: 62803).
- At the Venue: Same-day tickets are sold at the venue entrance during the exhibition period (July 24 to August 30).
Inquiries
Dedicated phone line: 086-897-3263 (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; weekdays only before the exhibition opens)
Organizer: Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.
Planning and Production: Crevis Co., Ltd.
Cooperation: NHK Enterprises, Inc.
*Event details are subject to change without notice.
Access Information
Mori no Machi Grace
Address: 2-10-8 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
URL: https://www.morinomachi-grace.jp/
Access
- 1-minute walk from the "Mori no Machi" bus stop (Okaden Bus)
- 1-minute walk from the "Sanyo Shimbunsha-mae / Mori no Machi Iriguchi" bus stop (Okaden Bus / Ryobi Bus)
- 12-minute walk from JR Okayama Station (underground ticket gate)
- 11-minute walk from the "Okayama Ekimae" tram stop (Okayama Electric Tramway)
Parking
Please use the multi-story parking garage (400 spaces).
- Parking fee: ¥300 per hour (24-hour maximum ¥1,500)
- With the parking service: maximum fee reduced from ¥1,500 to ¥600
- Parking service: 3 hours free with a purchase of ¥1,000 or more at participating stores
*Present your same-day ticket stub at the Mori no Machi Plaza 1F service counter (11:00 AM to 7:00 PM) to receive 3 hours of free parking.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the parking lot is expected to be crowded, so please use public transportation.
