Technically, 2021 was a breakthrough year for Oya’s manipulation of natural light. The cats were often framed in that distinct Japanese "golden hour"—the late afternoon sun cutting through lace curtains, illuminating floating fur and dust motes in equal measure. This wasn't accidental; it was a decision to frame the domestic cat as a celestial being. The videos felt warm, not just in temperature, but in emotion. They felt like home.
Makoto Oya’s approach to cat videos in 2021 was distinct from the high-energy, viral clips that often dominate social media feeds. There were no loud sound effects, no forced scenarios, and no frantic editing. Instead, Oya applied his photographer’s eye to the moving image, treating every frame with the composition of a still photograph. His videos served as a gentle window into the domestic lives of his feline companions, most notably his cats, Nene and Koma. Makoto Oya Cat Videos 2021