Japan's "neko boom" has reached new levels, as the country will soon see the 5-cat group MUSASHI'S release its first digital single. The cats have been signed with major talent agency Stardust Promotion to "sing" a cover of "Hotaru no Hikari," a folk song set to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne" that is commonly sung at graduation ceremonies.

MUSASHI'S - made up of five Norwegian Forest Cats named Musashi, Leo, Luka, Seri, and Marble - gained worldwide internet fame at the end of last year when their owner released a YouTube video of the cats' rendition of "Jingle Bells."

As the cats have little use for money, their contract with Stardust is said to include about 7,000 yen worth of tuna.

"Hotaru no Hikari" will begin distribution through mobile music site music.jp on March 3. A second single, "Ichinensei ni Nattara" (a song for those entering a new school), will be released on April 7. Future plans include more covers of seasonal tunes as well as original songs. TV appearances and CD releases are also being considered.