An illustration exhibition by artist poshichi titled "The awful thing my cat did to me" has drawn an exceptional 1,500 visitors in just its first two days at Galerie GEEK/ART in Shibuya, Tokyo. The small gallery experienced lines of up to 40 minutes as cat lovers and art enthusiasts flocked to see the charming yet relatable depictions of feline misbehavior.
Cat Lovers Relate to Exhibition's Humorous Take on Feline Antics
The exhibition showcases poshichi's unique interpretation of "the unreasonable yet forgivable terrible behavior of cats" that cat owners know all too well. Through humorous and endearing illustrations, the artist captures moments that resonate deeply with anyone who has shared their life with a cat.
During the opening weekend, the gallery saw unprecedented attendance, with visitors lining up before opening hours. The crowds were so substantial that passersby stopped to see what the commotion was about, with wait times reaching 40 minutes. Original merchandise including postcards and T-shirts sold out almost immediately, an unusual occurrence for a gallery of this size.
The exhibition announcement on X (formerly Twitter) has garnered over 5.38 million impressions, generating significant buzz online. Visitors have been sharing enthusiastic reactions, commenting "My cat does the same thing!" and "Even though they're causing trouble, they're so adorable!"
New Merchandise Released for "Cat Day" with Limited Sticker Giveaway
In response to the exhibition's overwhelming success, new merchandise featuring the main visual "This sucks" has been released, including a clear file folder with the exhibition's orange theme color and multi-stickers showcasing various artworks from the show.
Additionally, on February 22nd (Sunday) and 23rd (Monday), visitors who purchase ¥2,000 or more (before tax) will receive an original sticker. The giveaway is limited to the first 150 people each day (300 total) and will end once supplies run out.
New Merchandise & Limited Sticker Details:
Clear File (A4): ¥500 (before tax)
Multi Sticker: ¥1,000 (before tax)
Limited Original Sticker (with ¥2,000+ purchase before tax)
- Available on February 22nd (Sunday) and 23rd (Monday)
- Must purchase ¥2,000 or more (before tax)
- Limited to first 150 people per day (300 total)
- Giveaway ends when supplies run out
Gallery queuing begins at 10:30 AM. Please do not line up before this time.
Images are for reference. Actual products may differ slightly in design and specifications.
For merchandise availability updates, visit: https://geekart-store.com/ja-ec/collections/poshichi
Artist poshichi's Message to Visitors
"Thank you so much for making time to visit in this cold weather. Reading the warm comments in the visitor's notebook fills me with joy and encouragement. Despite the limited number of works on display, the team listened to my requests and created truly delightful elements for the exhibition. I hope you continue to enjoy the remaining days of the show."
Exhibition Details
The awful thing my cat did to me
Artist: poshichi
Dates: February 14, 2026 (Saturday) to March 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Location: Galerie GEEK/ART (1F, 6-23-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition presents everyday moments that make cat lovers smile knowingly. From having paws pressed into your face only to be suddenly rejected, to finding your intended seat already occupied, to being interrupted while reading—these "terrible" moments are captured with affection and humor.
While you might mutter "That's awful..." under your breath, you can't help but feel warmth seeing these beloved moments illustrated. The exhibition captures the precious, loving relationship between cats and their humans through these relatable scenes.
Artist poshichi creates works that initially appear to have the texture of Japanese painting, but are entirely digital, created using a tablet. The traditional-looking style paired with modern themes of "life with cats" creates a uniquely surreal aesthetic.
About the Artist
poshichi
Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/poshichi_rou/
With approximately 80,000 total followers, poshichi enjoys popularity among cat lovers and international fans drawn to the traditional Japanese art style.
Beginning their art practice at a friend's suggestion, poshichi took on the challenge of "seeing how much I can make digital art feel like an original painting," creating works on iPad and sharing them on social media.
Currently active primarily on social media, the artist focuses on depicting life with their adopted rescue cat and encounters with other animals, rendered in a classical Japanese style combined with contemporary themes.
The artist name comes from admired novelist Shichiro Fukazawa, with "po" added because the artist loves the sound of the word "potsunent" (solitary).
Galerie GEEK/ART Curator's Note
This exhibition is the fourth installment in Galerie GEEK/ART's exhibition series "ID," launched in 2024.
Through cats—creatures close to us yet beyond our control—the exhibition invites reflection on how we relate to others and nature. poshichi's depictions of daily life with cats gently present this dynamic of relationship and independence.
Exhibition Series ID: Launched by Galerie GEEK/ART in 2024, this series explores the meanings and possibilities behind Japanese sensibilities and values.
Gallery Information
GEEK/ART operates under the concept of "Connecting through Art," launched in 2020. The initiative aims to broaden respect and understanding for different cultures and values, connecting presence and absence, individual and individual, and building a more imaginative and hopeful future through art.
Galerie GEEK/ART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekart_japan/
GEEK/ART STORE (E-commerce): https://geekart-store.com/
2025 Exhibition History:
- April-May: TERÁN "Fantasías de Picasso"
- July-August: Ryosuke Toyama "Tempusgraph 24 Solar Terms: Colors of Time"
- September: Herbie Yamaguchi "Wearable Herbie! Herbie Anytime, Anywhere"
- October-November: Eimi Suzuki "Pale Weight"
- December: RUNA KURANAKA "DISTANCE"
