4th Interpets Osaka to Be Held in June 2026, Featuring Revamped Cat Area “Intercats”

The international trade fair “4th Interpets Osaka: A Fair for Enriching Lives with Pets,” which proposes richer lifestyles for people and pets, will be held for three days from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Halls 1, 2, 4 and 5 of Intex Osaka. As one of western Japan’s largest international trade fairs for the pet industry, the event will bring together a wide range of pet-related products and services from Japan and overseas, including pet food and treats, fashion items, outing goods and healthcare products. As of May, approximately 400 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions are expected to participate, with projected attendance of 30,000 people, including industry professionals from retail, pet shops, salons, hotels and veterinary clinics, as well as general visitors. In 2026, the show will launch “Intercats,” a renewed area based on the existing cat zone. During the event, a total of 33 business forums and seminars will be held. The keynote speech on the first day will be delivered by Katsuhiro Miyamoto, professor emeritus at Kansai University. Under the title “Understanding the Structure and Growth Strategy of the Pet Market Through Neconomics and Inunomics: Why Do People Invest So Much in Pets?,” he will explain the growth structure of the pet market, the background behind expanding consumption and its impact on the Japanese economy. ■ Special Cat Area “Intercats” According to the “2025 National Survey on Dog and Cat Ownership” by the Japan Pet Food Association, the number of cats kept in Japan continues to exceed the number of dogs, while cat products are becoming more value-added and related services more diversified. Against this market backdrop, the fair will significantly renew its cat zone as “Intercats.” Intercats will be a dedicated area open only to cats and people, featuring corporate booths introducing products and services for cats, as well as cat-related seminars. Toru Miyazaki, representative director and director of the AIM Medical Research Institute, will explain the mechanism by which replenishing AIM helps prevent decline in kidney function. Nobuo Nagai, editor-in-chief of Nikkei MJ at Nikkei Inc., will discuss hit products and services he has covered and how cats are changing society. ■ Special Stage: Selected Programs June 19, Friday, 10:30-11:20, Keynote: “Understanding the Structure and Growth Strategy of the Pet Market Through Neconomics and Inunomics,” Katsuhiro Miyamoto, professor emeritus, Kansai University. June 19, Friday, 11:50-13:20: “The Front Line of Pet Business Opened Up by Other Industries: New Challenges and Success Stories in Mobility, Food and Disaster Preparedness,” featuring Makoto Akiyama of Central Japan Railway Company, Chieko Watanabe of Circular Cotton Factory, Kazumasa Hada of JPCS, moderated by Yoshio Koshimura, honorary chairman of the Japan Pet Food Association. June 20, Saturday, 12:10-12:50: “Mocomichi Hayami and Junko Hirai Present: Becoming a Pet Disaster Preparedness Master at Home,” featuring actor Mocomichi Hayami and Junko Hirai, chairperson of ANICE and adviser to the Tokyo Veterinary Medical Association. ■ Arena: Selected Programs June 19, Friday, 11:30-12:30: “Pet Consumption Trends 2026,” Nobuo Nagai, editor-in-chief of Nikkei MJ, Nikkei Inc. June 19, Friday, 13:40-14:20: “Can You Trust That Claim? The Truth About Advertising Expressions Useful for Choosing Pet Food and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Regulations,” organized by the Japan Pet Food Association and the Pet Food Fair Trade Council. June 19, Friday, 14:50-15:30: “Behind the Scenes of Developing ‘Cool’ Pet Products from a Veterinarian’s Perspective,” organized by the Japan Pet Products Manufacturers Association. ■ Intercats: Selected Programs June 19, Friday, 11:50-12:30: “The Pet Care Market Driven by Cat Products: Key Trends and Outlook,” Megumi Matsunaga, senior consultant, Euromonitor International. June 19, Friday, 14:30-15:10: “Neconomics 2026,” Nobuo Nagai, editor-in-chief of Nikkei MJ, Nikkei Inc. June 20, Saturday, 14:30-15:00: “Extending Healthy Life Expectancy Through Fundamental Treatment of the Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats,” Toru Miyazaki, representative director and director of the AIM Medical Research Institute. For the latest information on Interpets, please check the official website and official Instagram. Business visitor inquiries: Messe Frankfurt Japan Ltd., Interpets Office, Tel 03-6625-3969.