40 Hilarious Cat Photos Taken by Masayuki Oki (Latest Pictures) -

Masayuki Oki, a Tokyo-based photographer, has dedicated the past decade to capturing the charm of street cats with a unique blend of affection and artistry that brings each photo to life. Oki doesn’t just photograph cats lounging on sidewalks or hunting for food—he captures their personalities, the subtle drama of their lives, and their effortless ability to command attention. “Sometimes, I feel as though the cats are guiding me to capture the moment,” he says, viewing them as photography mentors as he learns to anticipate their every movement and mood.

Oki’s commitment to his craft is relentless, spending full days on Japan’s cat islands with his camera from dawn until dusk, only to edit the photos that same night. His dream is simple but heartfelt: “I’ve always hoped that my cat photos would bring joy to people around the world.”

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#1

Two playful cats interacting on a sandy beach with water and a green hill in the background, showcasing quirky cat behavior. — okirakuoki

Reflecting on the valuable lessons he’s learned from observing cats, Oki shared with Bored Panda that before he began photographing them, he had no idea how far cats would go to win over people for food. “Before starting cat photography, I didn’t realize how determined cats are to charm their way into getting food. I was surprised to see even the most proud cats becoming affectionate to achieve their goal.” At the time, Oki was working as a corporate employee and wasn’t particularly outgoing. His work wasn’t progressing well, and he started applying the kindness he learned from cats in hopes of improving his own situation. “Although it was too late to see any immediate change, I learned that it was an important lesson for me.”

#2

A quirky and playful cat walking on a city street at night beside a bicycle in Masayuki Oki’s photo series. — okirakuoki

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#3

Cat yawning on a tree branch surrounded by blooming flowers, showcasing the quirky and playful side of cats. — okirakuoki

Oki’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, especially when he travels to Japan’s renowned “cat islands.” He organizes his photography trips around intense, full-day shooting sessions. “When I plan to do a lot of shooting, I take a five-day trip to one of Japan’s cat islands. During these trips, I shoot non-stop from sunrise to sunset,” he explains. For example, in mid-July, he visited a cat island in Kagawa Prefecture, where he photographed from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM, took a break for breakfast, then shot again from around 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, had lunch, and continued photographing from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. “I make sure to edit the photos in Photoshop Lightroom the very same day,” he adds.

#4

Cat balancing playfully on a wooden post outdoors, showcasing the quirky and playful side of cats in natural light. — okirakuoki

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#5

Playful ginger cat in a quirky pose, captured in a candid moment by photographer Masayuki Oki. — okirakuoki

Oki also reflects on the more philosophical aspect of his work, sharing how the cats themselves seem to guide his photographic process. “Sometimes, I feel as though the cats are telling me to capture the moment, almost as if they are my photography mentors,” he says. Oki admires the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and draws inspiration from his approach. “I try to express my own personality through the camera by closely observing the cat’s behavior, like their eye movements and reactions.” He explains that once you understand a cat’s unique quirks, you can anticipate their next move and position yourself for the perfect shot.

#6

Two playful cats by the water with one holding a large fish, celebrating the quirky and playful side of cats. — okirakuoki

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#7

Playful cat stretching on pavement with quirky expression, showcasing the playful side of cats in outdoor setting. — okirakuoki

What truly fascinates Oki is the emotional depth and individuality that cats show—an essence he strives to capture in every photograph.

“Cats are not only cute on the outside but also have a deep, adorable quality on the inside, with their delicate emotions easily conveyed through their behavior. I realized that the relationships between cats and humans are just as complex as human relationships, and each cat has its own unique identity. I aim to reflect this in my photos, where the moments and expressions showcase the distinct personality of each cat without missing a detail.”

#8

Playful cat standing on hind legs biting a thin plant stem amidst outdoor rustic background. — okirakuoki

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#9

Black and white cat carrying a large fish in its mouth, showcasing quirky and playful side of cats outdoors in daylight. — okirakuoki

After over a decade of capturing the essence of cats through his lens, Oki’s goal remains unwavering: to spread joy through his images. “I’ve been photographing cats for 10 years now, and I’ve always hoped that my photos would bring happiness to people around the world,” he shares. “I approach my work with that belief, and although it may sound a bit laughable, my feelings about this haven’t changed.” Oki envisions a future where he can hold a photo exhibition or publish a photo book that brings joy to others. “If I could do that, it would be amazing,” he adds. “I believe my dreams are slowly coming to life, and I also hope to have the opportunity to photograph cats in different parts of the world.”