Japan to survey animal cafes over hygiene, welfare concerns

Japan intends to investigate animal cafes, where patrons can engage with animals like cats and capybaras, after hygiene and welfare concerns were raised, officials announced on Thursday. The country is home to numerous cafes, which animal rights advocates argue sometimes house animals in cramped quarters, and the trend's popularity fuels the capture and illegal trade of rare wildlife.

An assessment will commence as early as next month, beginning with gathering fundamental data such as the count of establishments and the animals they house, according to a ministry of environment official speaking to AFP. The ministry will assess compliance with applicable laws, including whether animals have adequate space and the frequency of cleaning, the official said, declining to be identified.

The decision to launch the survey followed recommendations from an expert panel on animal welfare. Animal welfare organizations have long voiced concerns about these cafes, where visitors can interact with a wide variety of animals, including miniature pigs, hedgehogs, owls, and snakes. A 2025 survey by World Wide Fund for Nature Japan revealed that some establishments kept endangered species listed on the International Union for Conservation's Red List, as well as species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which governs international wildlife trade.

Some businesses lacked proper hygiene management, with microbiological testing uncovering pathogenic bacteria in multiple facilities, the report stated. Regardless of the species, these businesses prioritize customer entertainment over the animals' needs, stated Laila Imai, Asia campaign coordinator for animal welfare group PETA.

Many animals endure constant handling, noise, flashing cameras, and interactions with strangers all day. While some cafes function as adoption centers, assisting in finding new homes for rescued cats and dogs, Imai argued that what may seem endearing to visitors can be stressful and unnatural for the animals forced to live that way.