Mar 20, 2025
Cat replaces chameleon!
If you've ever walked around the old town in Kawagoe, you may well have spotted a giant chameleon. In recent years he was sitting on a thumb. But before the pandemic he was perched on a giant 5 yen piece. Both of which were made out of Styrofoam, by a renowned artist, Yajima Kimio, who lives in the city.
Well, the chameleon was gone today and in its a place a giant cat face! It wasn't the only change I saw in the various Styrofoam art animals around the city. Some of the familiar pieces are still there. However, others have been relocated and there are some brand new pieces as well. I was with family who are visiting from Ireland today, so I didn't take photos of all the pieces. But I did get a photo of the new cat face (spot the Chiikawa teddy behind it!);
It is located on the side of the restaurant Unakko, one of Kawagoe's best known eel restaurants. The building also has three other Styrofoam art pieces including two carp and another cat.
Have you noticed any of Kawagoe's Styrofoam art while walking around the old town?
Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
TonetoEdo
on Mar 20
The new cat is cute but I loved the chameleon! Did it get a new home or was it retired?
BigfamJapan
on Mar 20
@TonetoEdo I didn't see it yesterday and he rarely updates his website so unfortunately I don't know, but I will be keeping an eye out on my next visit - I really liked that chameleon too. I preferred it on the 5 yen coin than the thumb though!