All aboard the imperial Catbus! Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako just gave the world the cutest royal photo in recent memory, climbing inside the giant Nekobus at Ghibli Park and grinning like they won the lottery.
The pics come from the Imperial Household Agency’s Instagram, @kunaicho_jp, and were taken Sunday, September 20, 2026. The couple hit Ghibli Park at the Ai-Chikyuhaku Memorial Park in Aichi Prefecture during a two-day trip to the region, September 19 and 20, for Asian Games festivities.
The Catbus Close-Up
Check out the details: the Emperor and Empress are framed in the windows of the massive plush Catbus in the Grand Warehouse (Ghibli no Oosouko). Glowing yellow eyes loom above, the sign reads “ジブリパーク,” and little mice with pink eyes chill on the roof. The royal smiles are the real show.
Bonus pic: the pair posing with Kaonashi, aka No-Face from “Spirited Away.” Iconic.
Why We’re Obsessed
Heads of state do not usually do theme parks, and that is precisely the point. For one afternoon, Japan’s first couple traded protocol for playtime, and the photos are pure serotonin.
Ten out of ten, would ride the imperial Catbus again.
Photo: @kunaicho_jp
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