In Japan, there are more number of pets than children below 16 years of age, as per data by Japan Pet Food Association.
Anuja Jha
New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 18, 2022
A Tokyo clothing manufacturer created a portable fan for dogs and cats in Japan. (Image: Reuters)
They do yoga, attend parties, wear designer clothes, and accompany their “parents” around in Japan. And no, “they” do not refer to children here. They refer to cats and dogs as more and more people in Japan choose pets over parenthood.
In a country that is dealing with an ageing population and plummeting birth rate, many Japanese people favour pets over children. According to the Japan Pet food Association, the country has just 17 million children under the age of 16, yet almost 20 million cats and dogs.
Not just pets, but robotic pets
For Japan's Shich-Go-San ceremony, usually celebrated by parents for their children's health and good fortune, a shrine in Tokyo hosted the ceremony for pets. And not just any pets, but robotic pets.
One Tokyo shrine hosted a celebration for the Sony Aibo robotic dog, as per a report by Reuters.
In a country that is dealing with an ageing population and plummeting birth rate, many Japanese people favour pets over children. According to the Japan Pet food Association, the country has just 17 million children under the age of 16, yet almost 20 million cats and dogs.
Dogs travelling in train in Japan. (AFP photo)
But why are pets replacing children?
One of the possible reasons why more people are opting to adopt pets is because they are relatively easy to handle. They don't seem to demand constant care and attention.
But why are pets replacing children?
One of the possible reasons why more people are opting to adopt pets is because they are relatively easy to handle. They don't seem to demand constant care and attention.
A Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix and a teacup poodle sit in a pram next to a baby at a park in Tokyo. (Reuters file)
In Japan, people splurge on their pets and take excellent care of them. From top quality food, to making sure their vaccination status are up-to-date, to tours on weekends, pets in Japan are given the best life that their parents can afford.
And major international brands, always one to expand their markets, have started making designer clothes for pets in Japan.
The owners also tend to splurge on designer clothes for their pets. (Reuters file)
Obsession with work and lack of time are also among reasons why Japanese people are shying away from having children. And if they need a companion or ever feel lonely, pets are always there to fill the gaps.
In fact, pets help in relieving stress. There is a separate business aspect of this as well. In Japan, a client can pay to keep dogs for a period of time. They only need to guarantee their safety.
In life and in death, Japanese people care for their pets
A report published by Reuters in 2017 said that in Japan, people who follow Buddhism spend huge amounts on the funeral of their pets. in fact, there are categories of last rites- basic, intermediate, and deluxe. Basic is the simplest funeral, which costs over Rs 67,000 while luxury funerals can cost owners crores of Rupees.
In Japan, people splurge on their pets and take excellent care of them. From top quality food, to making sure their vaccination status are up-to-date, to tours on weekends, pets in Japan are given the best life that their parents can afford.
And major international brands, always one to expand their markets, have started making designer clothes for pets in Japan.
The owners also tend to splurge on designer clothes for their pets. (Reuters file)
Obsession with work and lack of time are also among reasons why Japanese people are shying away from having children. And if they need a companion or ever feel lonely, pets are always there to fill the gaps.
In fact, pets help in relieving stress. There is a separate business aspect of this as well. In Japan, a client can pay to keep dogs for a period of time. They only need to guarantee their safety.
In life and in death, Japanese people care for their pets
A report published by Reuters in 2017 said that in Japan, people who follow Buddhism spend huge amounts on the funeral of their pets. in fact, there are categories of last rites- basic, intermediate, and deluxe. Basic is the simplest funeral, which costs over Rs 67,000 while luxury funerals can cost owners crores of Rupees.
Not just pets, but robotic pets
For Japan's Shich-Go-San ceremony, usually celebrated by parents for their children's health and good fortune, a shrine in Tokyo hosted the ceremony for pets. And not just any pets, but robotic pets.
One Tokyo shrine hosted a celebration for the Sony Aibo robotic dog, as per a report by Reuters.
Owners of Sony's robotic dog 'Aibo' attend a ritual ceremony Sichi-Go-San. (Reuters)
Aibo robotic dogs, roughly the size of a domestic cat, have become part of the family. For others, the robots are a practical response to the tight restrictions many Japanese landlords place on pet ownership.
Aibo robotic dogs, roughly the size of a domestic cat, have become part of the family. For others, the robots are a practical response to the tight restrictions many Japanese landlords place on pet ownership.
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