50 Funny & Adorable Cat Photos by Masayuki Oki That Show Their Quirky Side

Japan’s streets are buzzing with life, and honestly, some of the cutest locals aren’t people at all—they’re the stray cats. Photographer Masayuki Oki has been walking through Tokyo neighborhoods and even the famous cat islands, snapping photos of these cats just being themselves. Some are goofing around, some are deep in nap mode, and some just stare back with that classic “cat attitude.”

His street photography has made him a favorite among cat lovers worldwide. With over half a million Instagram followers, plus photo books and calendars, Oki has built a whole vibe around pet photography in Japan. His photos capture the funny, quirky, and sometimes soft side of cats that every cat owner can relate to.

So if you’re into Instagram cats, Japanese culture, or just love seeing animals caught in candid everyday life, you’re gonna love this. Scroll down and meet Tokyo’s most playful stray cats through Oki’s lens.

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Masayuki Oki never planned to be a famous cat photographer. He was actually working in the clothing industry and only picked up a camera for his job. No big dreams of pet photography back then.

But in 2013, everything flipped. While taking a break in a Tokyo park, he came across a stray cat called Busanyan Senpai. He remembers, “It was a gray cat with a spiral pattern, kind of like an American Shorthair. I kept wondering how it was living out there.”

That simple moment with a street cat lit a spark. And from that day, Oki’s journey into cat photography began. What started as curiosity turned into a passion that made him one of the most loved names among cat lovers and Instagram cats worldwide.

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From that day on, Oki started snapping photos of every cat he crossed paths with. He began noticing the little things most people miss—their moods, tiny gestures, and even their personalities shining through.

“I realized these cats actually have deep emotions, unique expressions, and little habits,” he says. “I also noticed they build relationships, just like humans do.”

That’s what makes his cat photography stand out. It’s not just cute cat pics for pet lovers. His shots capture the raw, unfiltered side of street cats—how they play, fight, love, and survive. Through his lens, we see a slice of animal behavior and relationships that Instagram cats rarely show.

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You can really see Oki’s dedication in the way he works. When he’s out on Japan’s famous cat islands, he spends the whole day shooting—starting at sunrise and going until the evening. Then, he edits his photos the very same day. That’s serious love for cat photography.

He even jokes, “Sometimes I feel like the cats are the ones telling me to capture the moment, like they’re my photography teachers.”

Because of that patience and sharp eye, his photos show so much more than just cute pets. You’ll see playfulness, curiosity, and a little mischief in every frame. Each street cat ends up looking like its own character, and that’s what makes his work unforgettable for cat lovers and pet photography fans around the world.

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Today, Oki’s cat photography isn’t just loved in Japan—it’s reached people all over the world. With hundreds of thousands of followers watching his Instagram cats and several photo books already out, his work keeps inspiring pet lovers everywhere.

“I just want to make cat lovers around the world happy with my photos,” he says. And honestly, that’s exactly what his pictures do—spreading joy, laughter, and love for cats one snapshot at a time.

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