Black cat who kept trying to enter Japan museum immortalised as statue after it died in 2025

Ken-chan – the black cat who has persisted in trying to enter a museum in Hiroshima, Japan, for a decade — has finally made it inside.

Or at least, his likeness has.

The late feline, who became famous for his attempts to slip past the security guard at the Onomichi City Museum of Art, has been immortalised as a wood-carved statue.

The statue is being displayed at the museum as part of sculptor Mio Hashimoto’s woodcarving exhibition.

Finally entered museum

Since 2016, Ken-chan had been seen at the museum's entrance.

Each time he tried to enter the museum, he would be stopped by a security guard, leading to a long-running “battle” that won the hearts of internet users.

The cat’s attempts were well-documented by the museum, with clips showing him approaching the entrance before being gently turned away.

In some videos, Ken-chan could be seen flopping onto the ground upon the arrival of a security guard, possibly at the revelation that his game was up.

Legacy lives on

Ken-chan passed away peacefully on Sep. 20, 2025; he had been receiving treatment.

The museum announced his passing on Nov. 11, 2025, which it said marked the anniversary of Ken-chan becoming part of the family.

Ken-chan was previously accompanied by an orange cat, Go-chan before the latter was adopted in 2019.

Ken-chan had become something of an unofficial mascot for the museum.

His antics inspired merchandise, calendars, and even a manga titled Mr. Security Guard and the Cat.

Now, with the new statue, Ken-chan has finally achieved what he spent years trying to do.

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