Whimsical and artistic are words that could be used to describe the work of Japanese photographer Ryo Yamazaki and his wife Hiromi Yamazaki. The cat loving husband and wife team have created a social media sensation with images of their 3 adorable cats wearing hats. These feline fashion accessories are beautifully crafted out of 100% cat hair that is shed naturally in their house. Ryo, also known as rojiman, is in charge of the photography while his talented wife Hiromi makes the actual hats.

Mugi – Image © rojiman

I absolutely love this Instagram account so I reached out to Ryo who was kind enough to answer a few questions about their work.

Please tell me when you started to photograph your cats in hats?

We got our first cat 11 years ago and he showed us many interesting expressions. So, in order to document his various expressions, I started photography. Basically my wife Hiromi makes the hats and I take the pictures of the cats in hats. I started doing this about 2 years ago.

Mugi with Pearl – Image © rojiman

How did you and your wife come up with the idea to make hats from cat hair?

Our project began when the hashtag #trumpyourcat started trending on the photo-sharing app Instagram during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. We just imitated his hair style using the cats hair and I posted the picture on my Instagram.

Where does your inspiration come from?

It comes from many places like the TV news, online web news, movies etc…

Maru Princess Leia – Image © rojiman

What is your favorite hat?

I really love the Japanese robot anime, Gudam’s hat series.

How do you make the hats?

We have an instructional video on our Instagram that shows how they are made.

Are the hats art or fashion?

It is cat fashion, by the cats, for the cats.

Nya in top hat and tie – Image © rojiman

Do your cats enjoy wearing the hats?

Yes, when they are relaxing, that’s the best time to take pictures.

Please tell me about your cats Nya, Mugi and Maru

All of my cats are Scottish Fold boys. Nya is an 11-year-old blue tabby pampered boy, Maru is a White 9-year-old glutton and, Mugi the red tabby is a hyperactive 4-year-old who loves his two big brothers.

Left to right Mugi, Maru and Nya – Image © rojiman

What do you love most about cats?

They live at their own pace. They are what we call in Japan Tsundere, meaning they are sometimes cold but sometimes lovey-dovey.

Mugi Rabbit ears – Image © rojiman

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about your work?

Please try making fur hats for your own cats!

If you would like to see more of their cats and fantastic hats, there is a 2019 calendar coming out, however if you need an immediate fix be sure to follow Ryo and his wife Hiromi on Instagram.