Traditionally known for its 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 just giving affection and love to the little creature; the country is also known for having animals as cultural and religious symbols.
Dogs of the Shiba Inu breed, for example, are popular in Japan as a symbol of good luck for their owners and local residents. The breed, also known as the “little fox of Japan,” is one of the oldest and most popular in the East. Studies show primitive drawings dating back to 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’s main symbol is the popular Maneki Neko (also known as the Lucky Cat), a culturally famous cat in Japan for its seated appearance, always with one paw 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 Cat Temple (Unrinji). The temple arose from a local legend that tells the story of a cat that stayed at its owner’s grave after their death. The belief also states that the sad meow of the animal was only heard to stop after a monk built the sanctuary in its honor. The site displays over 700 sculptures of felines and is frequently visited by those who believe in the loyalty of cats.
Laws Value Pets in Japan
In a more practical way, the country values animals in all aspects, and to have a pet in Japan, one must respect and fulfill local obligations. In order to reduce animal abandonment, the Japanese parliament implemented laws that require dog and cat traders to microchip the animals. The microchip, which is about 2 millimeters, contains information such as the seller’s name, names, address and contact of the owners, breed of the animal, name of the animal, color, gender, among other information directly sent to a database of the Japanese government. The country, which rescues about 72,000 abandoned or lost dogs and cats each year, implemented this measure so that animal guardians can be identified in case of abandonment or if the animal is found after going missing.
The law also protects puppies when they are sold. Dogs and cats must be at least 56 days old before being separated from their mother. This decision was made after experts concluded that animals taken away too early from their mother tend to be more violent and aggressive throughout their lives.
The appreciation and respect for the life of animals in Japan is a serious matter; laws against animal cruelty have harsh and severe penalties when violated, which can reach up to five years of imprisonment and fines of up to ¥5 million (about 195 thousand reais).
In addition to legal measures to value the lives of animals, protectors from institutions specialized in animal rights advocate that new guardians take a consciousness test before adopting or buying a pet. It is advocated that a complete evaluation of the place be made, and observations such as permission to have animals on the premises and living conditions are taken seriously. It is also analyzed whether the owners have sufficient time to fulfill obligations such as veterinary visits and frequent walks. Another important factor is the economic condition of the new owners; if the animal causes any material damage, it is necessary to know if the guardians have the means to cover the costs of compensation.
There Are More Pets Than Children in Japan
It is estimated that today pets have already outnumbered children in Japan, making them a fundamental part of many Japanese households. Animals began to gain importance in Japanese families in the 60s and 70s, a period known as Mai Hoomu (from English My Home), where the desire for houses and a lifestyle similar to that of Americans became popular. The increase in households with animals led to the creation of various services and items exclusively for pets. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the pet insurance company Anicom Insurance, it is estimated that spending on dogs in Japan increased annually by 13%, while spending on cats increased by 3.9%. Among the main costs are food, hygiene, and veterinary care such as consultations and treatments.
Among the services offered for Japanese pets are restaurants specifically for animals. These establishments offer specialized and exclusive food for pets, special menus on holidays, and even birthday cakes. There are also services such as bathing and relaxation in hot springs, luxury resorts exclusive for animals, professionals responsible for taking care of pets while their owners are busy, dog taxis, among others.
Other services not so common in Brazil are also offered in the country. Buddhist rituals for pets are performed after the animal’s death. Prayers and ceremonial rites are conducted so that the animals can make the transition according to belief. There are also families that visit temples on the 49th day after the animal’s death, a day that, according to Buddhist beliefs, is the day when prayers for the reincarnation of the deceased are made.
The Japanese are also great advocates of pet products. It is common to walk the streets of Tokyo and see animals in strollers or wearing designer clothes. Products such as dog beds, cat scratchers, and toys are also popular in the country.
According to research conducted by the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and the Japan Small Animal Veterinary Association, good treatment of pets has yielded results. The average lifespan of dogs has reached a record of 13.2 years, and 11.9 years for cats. The good care mentioned above and regular visits to the veterinarian are responsible for the high longevity of pets in the eastern country.
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