Can a cat fit in a chikuwa hole? A thorough review of the "Kibun O-hirune Chikuwa Cushion" size and my cat's reaction.

The "Kibun Ohirune (Nap) Chikuwa Cushion," which gained so much attention that it sold out immediately after its release, can be obtained by purchasing the "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion BOOK" published by Wani Books.

Thanks to a connection, I received an actual cushion from an editor at Wani Books, so I’d like to share my real-life experience using it and how my beloved cats reacted. Interestingly, the person who got the most excited was quite unexpected.

The "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion BOOK" Packed with Chikuwa Love

The "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion" is huge, equivalent in size to 40 actual chikuwa. When it arrived at my home, the size of the box was the first thing that surprised me.

The "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion BOOK" includes not just the cushion, but also a cute chikuwa bookmark and a booklet filled with delicious-looking chikuwa recipes—it's absolutely bursting with chikuwa charm!

Just like a real chikuwa, the "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion" has a hole in the center, designed so you can slip your arm inside.

The cushion arrives compressed, so I was excited before opening it, wondering, "Just how big will it be?" As I opened the compression packaging with sparkling eyes, my cats immediately began their customary box inspection.

They waited for the chikuwa to make its debut by trying to climb inside and scratching at the cardboard.

Once I opened the compression bag, the chikuwa continued to expand, becoming even larger than I imagined! It was already huge, but apparently, it takes about a week for the cushion to reach its full size. I was shocked to think, "It’s going to get even bigger than this?"

However, I’m the type who hates waiting. Wanting to see the fully-formed chikuwa cushion quickly, I resorted to a bit of a rough method: I put both arms through the hole and moved them up and down to help the air get in.

It seemed to puff up faster that way, but that was probably just my imagination.

How did my cats react to the giant "Chikuwa Cushion"?

Once the cushion was fully expanded, it was finally time to show it to the cats! "Look, everyone! A giant chikuwa cushion has arrived!" I told them, but cats rarely live up to their owner's expectations.

Kotaro, my tabby, seemed to like the compression plastic it came in; he used it like a tent and played with it, looking quite satisfied.

It was the moment the song "No, no, that’s not it..." played in my head.

Meanwhile, Leon, a "new item fanatic" who always checks things out immediately, is a bit of a scaredy-cat, so he seemed slightly baffled by the chikuwa, which was bigger than him. He approached cautiously, sniffing it to check its safety.

If it had actually smelled like chikuwa, I’m sure he would’ve taken a bite (lol).

Since both of my cats are a bit skittish, it took them about a day to get used to the giant chikuwa cushion.

Leon usually likes to knead new cushions, but unfortunately, he hasn't done that with the chikuwa cushion yet... That said, there have been times in the past when he suddenly started kneading a cushion long after we bought it, so I’m personally hoping that happens this time, too.

On the other hand, Kotaro has started resting his paws on the chikuwa cushion while he naps! Watching him cling to the golden-brown chikuwa is just too precious every single time, and I can't help but snap photos of him with my phone.

By the way, the hole in the cushion isn't very large, so it’s likely too small for an adult cat to use as a tunnel. My cats did try to stick their faces inside, but it looked like they gave up, realizing they wouldn't fit.

However, I think a tiny kitten might be able to explore inside it a little bit, so it could be fun as long as you keep an eye on them so they don't get stuck.

Also, the texture is squishy and soft, so there are likely many cats who will use it as a bed during the coming cold season.

The one most excited by the Chikuwa Cushion was... my husband!

The "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion" seems to bring out the child in people, too. In fact, the person in our house who got the most excited was my husband.

As soon as he got home from work and saw the cushion, he exclaimed, "This is great!" with high spirits. When I told him, "There's a hole you can put your arm through," he immediately stuck his hand in and posed like he was throwing a punch.

Seeing that made me want to play with the cushion, too, so I tried a few different things. After much thought, I decided to put it on my head and pretend to be a chef.

The sight of adults in their thirties thinking, "Are there any other ways to use this?" and showing each other gag-like ways to use the cushion must have been chaotic. Our cats were looking at us with cold, judgmental eyes.

The "Kibun Ohirune Chikuwa Cushion" brings out the child in its owners and provides a variety of reactions from beloved cats. Ever since it became a regular fixture in our home, I haven't been able to cure my "insatiable urge to eat Oden with chikuwa" disease.

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