Shinjuku’s 3D Cat Billboard: A Purr-fectly Immersive Experience

Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is known for its dazzling lights and larger-than-life advertisements. But one display has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike: a giant, incredibly realistic 3D cat.

Perched atop the Cross Shinjuku Vision building, this feline phenomenon graces a massive curved 4K LED screen, measuring 8.16 meters high by 18.96 meters wide. First unveiled in 2021, the cat quickly went viral, captivating onlookers with its lifelike movements and playful demeanor.

But this isn’t just any digital kitty. The 3D cat is based on a real-life feline named “Natsuko,” who lived to the impressive age of 23 before passing away in 2018. Now immortalized on this massive screen, Natsuko stretches, yawns, bats at butterflies, and even interacts with passersby, bringing a touch of warmth and whimsy to the urban landscape.

And if you can’t make it to Shinjuku in person, you can still catch a glimpse of Natsuko’s digital antics. She has her own Twitter account (@cross_s_vision) and YouTube channel where you can watch her daily routines and playful interactions.

Whether you’re a cat lover or simply appreciate innovative advertising, the Shinjuku 3D cat billboard is a must-see for any visitor to Tokyo. It’s a testament to the power of technology to create immersive and heartwarming experiences, even in the busiest of cityscapes.