The New Year 2024 began with cats, as musician John Mayer appeared at a Tokyo cat café called “Bar Cats in the Box.” He was seated at the bar surrounded by kitties, an amewsing way to start the year on the right paw! (see video below)
Mayer appeared on screen with hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, who had been enjoying shots of tequila at Times Square for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, Mayer was already well into the New Year in Japan, where he was recently performing.
He sat at the bar with his tour manager, Ken, in a cowboy hat. As you can see, happy orange kitties were taking over. Off-screen, the bartender was feeding them treats.
John Mayer at the Cat Bar in Tokyo, Japan. Screenshots via YouTube/CNN
New Year’s Eve at a Tokyo Cat Café
Clearly, the unlikely scene caught the two hosts off-guard and uncontrollable laughter ensued. Even so, Mayer maintained a deadpan tone throughout, which made it that much funnier.
“This doesn’t look sanitary, John,” Cohen remarked, not quite believing what he was seeing.
“You know what, I believe it passes all health codes. I think it’s just fine,” Mayer responded dryly. “Yes, we are in a cat bar. It’s called Cats in the Box in Tokyo. Celebrating New Year’s; we’re already halfway through the first day of 2024.”
‘It’s a Cat Bar’
As the scene continued, Mayer didn’t skip a beat, calmly explaining more about the cat bar even as the cats started swatting each other. Later, the singer started feeding the cats a “gelatinous cat paste” and baby-talking the felines. These, he noted, were the most “camera ready” and select of some 20 cats in the café.
“I’m here with Shin and five other proprietors of the bar. This is a place you can come and enjoy a drink or two and talk to cats, “Mayer said, maintaining his composure somehow.
“It’s a cat bar. I mean, I don’t know how much more clear I can be about the objective of this place,” he continued.
Anderson Cooper Couldn’t Stop Laughing
At that point, there was nothing Cooper could do to stop laughing, holding his hand to his mouth and visibly shaking. Seeing the serious broadcast journalist break into hysterics seemed like just the right tone to start 2024.
Meanwhile, Cohen was all smiles yet perplexed, his hands gesturing in disbelief.
“I can’t see Anderson but I know what he looks like,” said Mayer.
“Yes, you do, yes you do. He’s gone,” said Cohen. “He’s off with the fairies.”
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper can’t stop laughing as John Mayer talks from ‘Cat Bar’
What Will 2024 Be Like?
At another point, Mayer revealed one of the ginger cat’s names was Ling Lin. Then, Cohen wanted to know what 2024 would look like since the singer was already experiencing it on the other side of the planet.
“It is now 2024. What can you tell us about the year ahead?” asked Cohen. “It’s 41 minutes from now for us.”
John Mayer hold up a kitty named Ling Lin
“Yes. Well, if it’s anything like my 2024, you’ll be surrounded by cats,” said Mayer. “These are my buddies now.”
Talking about his upcoming plans for the year, Mayer said, “Have hope, just like you should, for all things in 2024…I send you all my love from Cats in the Box.”
Happy Mew Year from the Cole and Marmalade family and we hope you are also surrounded by love, laughter, hope, and cats at all times!
Video by CNN showing the funny moment:
People Respond to Scene from the Cat Bar
It was a silly start to the New Year, a lighthearted break as we enter a year full of uncertainties. On social media, most people were delighted by the comedic start to 2024.
“This was incredible!!! And mad respect for John for keeping a straight face. Especially once the cat paste came out. 🤣,” said Brandi F.
“When the edible hits in the middle of John Mayer in a cat cafe in Tokyo 🤣 😂 👏🙌 Anderson’s laugh is everything we need going into 2024!” joked Amy L.
“This was beyond hysterical! Between Anderson gasping for air between the giggles and Mayer keeping a totally straight face…bravo! 👏👏👏” said a New York design firm.
“Anderson’s laugh is THE BEST. I want to use it as my ringtone … or alarm clock,” said Stevie L.
