Japan to survey animal cafes over welfare, public health concerns

Tokyo is launching the first comprehensive survey of animal cafes in Japan as authorities grapple with concerns over animal welfare, hygiene, and public health. The government's desktop survey, launched this month, will analyze the number of establishments, the species they house, and the conditions of their care and visitor interactions.

Exotic animal cafes, which allow patrons to interact with creatures like otters, owls, and marmots, have gained popularity among tourists but have also raised concerns about the welfare of threatened species and the wildlife trade. Japan currently lacks specific regulations governing animal cafes and the handling of many exotic species, according to Takuya Ishikawa, an official at the environment ministry.

Experts on a government advisory panel have frequently expressed worries about potential issues at such cafes. The survey will also include cafes with domesticated animals like cats and dogs. The government plans a public awareness campaign, acknowledging its failure to adequately inform the public about the risks associated with interacting with exotic animals.

This move comes as Japan, which ranks second in the world for importing live reptiles and mammals by value in 2024, faces risks such as the introduction of invasive species through pet releases and the spread of zoonotic diseases. A separate report by the World Wildlife Fund and Hokkaido University revealed that about 80 registered wildlife animal cafes in Tokyo and Osaka, three-quarters of which were also registered to sell animals, displayed over 1,700 animals, with 27% of them being threatened species.

Over 90% of the cafes exhibited animals considered high-risk for causing injury through contact, and samples from four cafes tested positive for enterohemorrhagic E coli (EHEC), which can cause bloody diarrhea.