Traditionally known for love and respect for animals, Japan also has laws and care that protect pets.
The good relationship with pets goes far beyond what we know in the West. Having a pet in Eastern countries, such as Japan, is more than giving affection and love to the pet, the country is also known for having animals as a cultural and religious symbol.
Dogs of the breed Shiba Inu, for example, are popular in Japan as a symbol of good luck for the owners and local residents. The breed, also known as "日本の小狐 (nippon no kogitsune)" is one of the oldest and most popular in the East. Studies show primitive drawings dated from 300 B.C. already featuring these animals. Considered a national treasure of Japan, Shiba Inu dogs are appreciated for their courage, gentleness, boldness, and kindness.
The cat has as its main symbol the popular Maneki Neko (also known as the Gato da Sorte), a culturally famous cat in Japan for its seated appearance, always with one of its paws raised. It is considered an amulet to attract good luck, protection, happiness, prosperity, and health.
The love for animals is so great that, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, there is the Temple of Cats (Unrinji). The temple originated from a local legend that tells the story of a cat that stayed at the grave of its owner after death. The belief also states that the cat's sad meowing was only heard until a monk built the sanctuary in its honor. The place displays more than 700 feline sculptures and is frequently visited by those who believe in the loyalty of the cats.
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Laws Value Pets in Japan
More practically, the country values animals in all areas, and to have a pet in Japan, you must have respect and comply with local obligations. In order to reduce animal abandonments, the Japanese parliament has introduced laws that oblige dog and cat traders to microchip animals. The microchip, which is about 2 millimeters long, contains information such as the seller's name, names, address and contact details of the owners, animal breed, animal name, color, gender, among other information directly sent to a government database. Japanese. The country, which rescues around 72,000 abandoned or lost dogs and cats a year, implemented the measure so that the owners of the animals can be identified in case of abandonment or found if the animal has been lost.
The law also protects young animals when they are marketed. Dogs and cats must be at least 56 days old before being separated from their mother. The decision was made after experts concluded that animals removed too early from the mother's bed tend to be more violent and aggressive throughout their lives.
The appreciation and respect for animal life in Japan is a serious matter; laws against animal abuse have harsh and severe punishments when violated, including up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ¥5 million (around 195,000 reais).
In addition to the legal measures to value the lives of animals, protectors from institutions specialized in animal rights advocate that new owners undergo a consciousness test before adopting or buying a pet. It is advocated that a thorough evaluation of the premises be carried out, considerations such as permission to have animals on the premises and housing conditions are taken seriously. The owners' ability to fulfill obligations such as vet visits and regular walks is also analyzed. Another important factor is the new owners' economic condition; if the animal causes any material damage, it is necessary to know whether the owners have the means to cover the costs of compensation.
There are more pets than children in Japan
It is estimated that pets today have outnumbered children in Japan, making them a fundamental part of many Japanese homes. Animals began to be important in Japanese families in the 60s and 70s, a time known as Mai Hoomu (My Home), where the desire for homes and a lifestyle similar to that of the Americans became popular. The increase in homes with animals meant that several services and items were created exclusively for pets. According to a 2020 survey carried out by animal insurer Anicom Insurance, it is estimated that spending on dogs in Japan increased by 13% annually, while with cats the increase was 3.9%. Among the main costs are food, hygiene and veterinary care such as consultations and treatments.
Among the services offered to Japanese pets, there are restaurants suitable for animals. These establishments have specialized and exclusive food for the pets, special menu on commemorative dates and even birthday cake. There are also services such as bathing and relaxation in hot springs, luxury resorts exclusively for animals, professionals responsible for taking care of the pet while the owner is busy, taxi dog, among others.
Other services not so common in Brazil are also offered in the country. Buddhist rituals for pets are done after the pet's death. Prayers and ceremonial rites are performed so that the animals can make the passage according to belief. There are also families who seek the temples on the 49th day after the death of the animal, which, according to Buddhist beliefs, is the day when prayers for the reincarnation of the dead are made.
The Japanese are also big fans of pet products. It is common to walk the streets of Tokyo and find animals in strollers or wearing designer clothes.
According to research carried out by the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and the Japan Small Animal Veterinary Association, good treatment of domestic animals has paid off. The average longevity of dogs reached a record 13.2 years, and 11.9 years for cats. The good care mentioned above and constant visits to the veterinarian are responsible for the high longevity of the pets in the eastern country.