Japan has initiated its first nationwide survey of animal cafes due to growing concerns over animal welfare, hygiene, and public health. The survey, which began this month, will assess the number of animal cafes operating across the country, the species they keep, and the conditions in which the animals are housed. This move comes as animal cafes, particularly those featuring exotic species like otters, owls, and marmots, have become popular attractions for Japanese residents and foreign tourists.
The survey will also examine how visitors interact with animals at these cafes. Researchers and animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the treatment of animals and the presence of threatened species in some facilities. According to Takuya Ishikawa, an official at Japan's Environment Ministry, the country currently lacks specific standards governing animal cafes and the handling of many exotic species. This lack of regulation has sparked concerns among experts and the public.
The Japanese government plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate people about the potential risks associated with interacting with exotic animals. This move has received support from some operators in the industry, who believe that stronger regulations will help distinguish responsible facilities from those primarily focused on profit. Syaina Nozaki, manager of Owl Otter Cafe in Kamakura, near Tokyo, which houses rescued animals, hopes that stricter regulations will promote better animal welfare.
Japan has a large domestic pet market and was ranked the world's second-biggest importer of live reptiles and mammals by value in 2024, according to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report. The report highlighted concerns including the introduction of invasive species through pet releases and the spread of zoonotic diseases. This has added to calls for greater scrutiny of the sector as Japan considers how to strengthen oversight of animal cafes.
A separate study by WWF and Hokkaido University found that of about 80 registered wildlife animal cafes in Tokyo and Osaka, three-quarters were also registered to sell animals. Researchers who visited 25 cafes found more than 1,700 animals on display, with 27% classified as threatened species. This has raised concerns about the welfare of these animals and the potential risks to public health.
The study also found that more than 90% of the cafes displayed animals considered to have a high risk of causing injury through contact. Additionally, samples collected from four cafes tested positive for enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhoea. These findings have added to calls for greater scrutiny of the sector.
The Japanese government's survey and planned public awareness campaign aim to address these concerns and promote better animal welfare and public health. Key points include:
Key points
- The survey will examine the number of animal cafes and the conditions in which animals are housed.
- The government plans to launch a public awareness campaign to educate people about the risks associated with interacting with exotic animals.
- Some operators in the industry support stronger regulations to distinguish responsible facilities from those primarily focused on profit.
