Eleven Feline Employees Take the Lead at Tokyo-Based Tech Firm Qnote Inc.

Qnote Inc., a specialized system engineering firm situated in Tokyo’s Suginami district, has gained international recognition for its unconventional approach to human resources: the official employment of eleven cats. As of February 2026, these feline staff members are fully integrated into the corporate framework, playing a vital role in shaping the company’s internal culture and public persona. This unique tradition dates back to 2004, shortly after the company’s inception, when they rescued their first feline employee, Futaba, who was discovered wandering near a local sushi establishment.

Within the organizational chart, these animals hold whimsical yet official corporate titles that mirror a traditional business hierarchy. Futaba, the most senior member of the group at 20 years old, currently serves as the "chaircat," a position that humorously places her above the company’s human CEO, Nobuyuki Tsuruta. Other feline staff members hold titles such as "senior clerk" and "manager." CEO Tsuruta, a dedicated cat enthusiast, notes that the presence of these animals has become a primary driver for talent acquisition, as many prospective employees are drawn to the firm specifically because of their shared affection for animals.

The leadership philosophy at Qnote, championed by Mr. Tsuruta, focuses on fostering a highly adaptable work environment designed to stimulate creative thinking. The company maintains that even the spontaneous interruptions caused by the cats are beneficial to the workflow. These moments provide employees with necessary mental breaks, which Tsuruta argues are essential for restoring cognitive focus and ultimately enhancing overall productivity. Furthermore, the shared experience of interacting with the animals helps to dissolve traditional barriers, facilitating better communication and understanding between executive leadership and the general workforce.

In 2020, Qnote demonstrated its long-term commitment to its four-legged staff by moving into a new four-story headquarters and commissioning an extensive renovation tailored to their needs. The second and third floors were specifically redesigned to serve as a feline-friendly habitat, featuring custom-built catwalks and elevated passages that allow the cats to navigate the office safely and comfortably. This specialized infrastructure also includes twelve purpose-built litter stations and wall finishes specifically selected for their resistance to scratching, ensuring the facility remains functional for both species.

The presence of this feline workforce has significantly bolstered the Qnote brand, with the animals frequently featured in corporate marketing materials and across various social media platforms. This distinctive culture has resulted in remarkably low employee turnover rates, as a genuine love for cats has become an unofficial yet critical prerequisite for new hires. Beyond their professional duties, staff members often volunteer to care for the cats outside of standard business hours, a practice that has further solidified the sense of community and team spirit within the organization.