Explore Japan
Housing, Food, and Clothes
Q. Do the Japanese keep pets?
A.
Many Japanese families have pets, just like families in other countries. It's not always easy for them, because a lot of people don't have much space in their houses, or else they live in apartment buildings. Even so, interest in pets is increasing, and recently the number of apartment buildings that allow pets has been growing.
The most popular pets are dogs and cats. Fish are popular, especially goldfish, carp, and tropical varieties. Small birds are also popular as pets, especially canaries, parakeets, and paddybirds (also called Java sparrows). Other types of pets people keep are turtles, frogs, hamsters, and mice.
Recently some people have also started keeping "virtual" pets on their computers, cell phones, or personal digital assistants (PDAs). For example, there is now a computer program that lets you have an aquarium with tropical fish on your monitor. The fish have eggs, and sometimes they get sick. If you forget to feed them, they die.
In November 1996 a new type of electronic pet came on the market in Japan. It's called the Tamagotchi, and it's a mysterious little creature from outer space that needs lots of tender loving care. Small enough to fit into a pocket, it has become a big hit in Japan, not just with kids but also with adults, especially young women. The toy sold so fast when it was introduced that it was hard for the stores to keep it in stock. About 20 million units have been sold in Japan and another 20 million outside of Japan. In 2004 the toy regained popularity when a new version with communication capabilities called the Tamagotchi Plus was released.
Photos courtesy of Asahi Shogakusei Shimbun and Kyodo.