Japan's Rising Pet Rate

Before I came here, I had an idea of Japan as an animal-less, or at least pet-less, nation, partly due to the lack of green space and tight living quarters. To my surprise, I found dogs everywhere. As the seminar houses are located next to a park ("Gaijin Park" or "Beer Park", as we call it), I often witness Japanese owners walking their dogs, sometimes more than one dog at once. They're not always small dogs, either.


The pet industry in Japan is in fact booming. Over 40% of Japanese homes contain a pet, and animals are being considered "part of the family." They're allowed to stay and sleep indoors, they're dressed fashionably, they're given psychiatric drugs to ease depression, they're given professional massages, etc. This also includes prairie dogs, apparently.

I took this picture in the park in front of Himeji Castle. A man had trained her using whistles, and could make her walk, stop, spin, and stand up on command. After a brief show, he then scooped her up into his bag and walked away.
Many attribute the rising importance of pets in Japan to the declining birth rate. The amount of DINKS (Double Income No Kids) households are increasing, and the void is being filled by pets, who perhaps are considered children whose care is less demanding or career-restricting for women.

I could also conclude that the aging society leaves many widowers craving the companionship of a pet in the home.
The rising prevalence of and focus on pets in present-day Japan reflects wider social change that's affecting the every-day choices of individuals, especially women.

More information: It's a dog's Life, and Japan's Pet Industry