Japan to survey animal cafes over hygiene, welfare concerns

Japan plans to investigate animal cafes for hygiene and animal welfare concerns, authorities announced Thursday. These cafes allow visitors to interact with various creatures, from cats to capybaras. The government aims to obtain data on the number of establishments and the animals they house, an official told AFP. The ministry will assess compliance with relevant laws, such as proper space allocation and cleaning frequency.

On-site inspections may be conducted if violations are found. This survey follows recommendations from an expert panel on animal welfare. Animal welfare groups have expressed concerns over the conditions in these cafes, where animals may be kept in cramped spaces and subjected to constant handling, noise, and interactions with strangers.

A 2025 survey by World Wide Fund for Nature Japan revealed that some cafes house endangered species and those covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Campaign coordinator Laila Imai of PETA stated that these businesses prioritize customer entertainment over the animals' well-being, causing stress and unnatural conditions for the animals. Some cafes also serve as adoption centers for rescued cats and dogs.