Special Area for Cats, 'Intercats,' to Debut at Interpets Osaka

The 4th Interpets Osaka - A Fair for a Rich Lifestyle with Pets, an international trade fair that proposes an enriched life for people and their pets, will be held for three days from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Intex Osaka Halls 1, 2, 4, and 5. As one of the largest international pet industry trade fairs in Western Japan, it will bring together a wide variety of pet-related products and services from Japan and abroad, including pet food, snacks, fashion, outing supplies, and healthcare. As of May, approximately 400 companies from 15 countries and regions are scheduled to exhibit, and it is expected to attract 30,000 visitors, including industry professionals such as retailers, pet shops, salons, hotels, and veterinary clinics, as well as the general public.

In 2026, a renewed cat zone, 'Intercats,' will be developed. Additionally, a total of 33 business forums and seminars will be held during the fair. On the first day's keynote speech, Dr. Katsuhiro Miyamoto, Professor Emeritus of Kansai University, will take the stage. Under the title 'The Structure and Growth Strategy of the Pet Market as Deciphered from Nekonomics and Inunomics - Why Do People Invest So Much in Pets? -' he will explain the growth structure of the pet market, the background of consumption expansion, and its impact on the Japanese economy.

'Interpets Osaka' 2025 venue (left), 'Intercats' concept image (right)

■ Special Area for Cats 'Intercats'
According to the Pet Food Association's '2025 National Dog and Cat Breeding Survey,' the number of cats kept as pets in Japan continues to exceed that of dogs, and there is a trend towards higher value-added products and more diverse services for cats. Against this market backdrop, this trade fair will feature 'Intercats,' a major renewal of the cat zone. 'Intercats' will be a dedicated area accessible only to cats and humans, featuring corporate booths introducing products and services for cats, as well as cat-related seminars. Dr. Toru Miyazaki, Representative Director and Director of the AIM Medical Research Institute, will explain the mechanism by which supplementing AIM prevents the decline of kidney function, and Mr. Nobuo Nagai, Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei MJ, will discuss hit products and services featured in the past and the current situation of how cats are changing society.

■ Special Stage: Pickup Program (titles omitted)

June 19 (Fri) 10:30-11:20 [Keynote Speech]
'The Structure and Growth Strategy of the Pet Market as Deciphered from Nekonomics and Inunomics'
Dr. Katsuhiro Miyamoto, Professor Emeritus, Kansai University

June 19 (Fri) 11:50-13:20
'The Forefront of Pet Business Pioneered by Different Industries - New Challenges and Success Stories in Mobility, Food, and Disaster Prevention'
Makoto Akiyama, Manager, Sales Division, Central Japan Railway Company
Chieko Watanabe, Circular Cotton Factory Association
Kazumasa Hada, Representative Director, JPCS Association
Moderator: Yoshio Koshimura, Honorary Chairman, Pet Food Association

June 20 (Sat) 12:10-12:50
'Become a Pet Disaster Prevention Master with Mocomichi Hayami & Junko Hirai!'
Mocomichi Hayami, Actor / Junko Hirai, Director, NPO ANICE / Advisor, Tokyo Veterinary Medical Association

■ Arena: Pickup Program (titles omitted)

June 19 (Fri) 11:30-12:30 'Pet Consumption Trends 2026'
Nobuo Nagai, Editor-in-Chief, Nikkei MJ, Nikkei Inc.

June 19 (Fri) 13:40-14:20
'Can You Trust That Expression? The Truth in Advertising to Help You Choose Pet Food - About Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act Regulations'
Organizer: Pet Food Association / Pet Food Fair Trade Council

June 19 (Fri) 14:50-15:30 'Secrets of Developing 'Cool' Pet Products from a Veterinarian's Perspective'
Organizer: Japan Pet Products Manufacturers Association

■ Intercats: Pickup Program (titles omitted)

June 19 (Fri) 11:50-12:30
'The Pet Care Market Driven by Cat Products: 주목 Trends and Outlook'
Megu Matsunaga, Senior Consultant, Euromonitor International

June 19 (Fri) 14:30-15:10 'Nekonomics 2026'
Nobuo Nagai, Editor-in-Chief, Nikkei MJ, Nikkei Inc.

June 20 (Sat) 14:30-15:00
'Extend Your Cat's Healthy Lifespan with a Fundamental Treatment for the Cause of Kidney Disease!'
Dr. Toru Miyazaki, Representative Director and Director, AIM Medical Research Institute

For the latest information on 'Interpets,' please check the following.
Official Website: www.interpets.jp
Official Instagram: www.instagram.com/interpetsofficial

For inquiries regarding business visits:
Messe Frankfurt Japan Ltd.
Interpets Secretariat
Tel 03-6625-3969 / business@interpets.jp