The Cat Café / Nekohanten in Ranma 1/2 was opened in Nerima by the Chinese Amazon characters after they relocated there, and it served as both a restaurant and a home while they tried to support themselves and stay close to Ranma. In other words, it was not a normal commercial café start-up; it was a cover for the Amazons’ new life in Nerima.

What it was

  • A small Chinese restaurant called Nekohanten / the Cat Café.
  • Set up in Nerima as part of the story’s setting.
  • Used as a living space and business base for the characters who ran it.

Why it opened

  • The café was established after the Chinese Amazons moved to the area, giving them a place to live and work.
  • It also fit their larger goal in the series: staying involved with Ranma Saotome’s life and pursuit.

Quick read

If you mean the in-universe story, the answer is: they opened it themselves after moving to Nerima, and it doubled as a home, restaurant, and plot hub. If you meant a real-world Ranma-themed café event, there have also been limited-time collaboration cafés in Japan inspired by the Cat Café concept.