Which Are More Loved In Japan: Cats Or Dogs?

Cats versus dogs is a time-old rivalry. Most people are either a dog person or a cat person. Yet, you can’t deny that both of these creatures are incredibly cute.

Japan is a compassionate country that takes great pride in its treatment of animals (see also ‘The 9 Most Dangerous Animals In Japan‘).

Many people in Japan have pets. Animals play a significant role in the mythology of the country as many animals have symbolic meaning. 

So this raises the question of whether cats or dogs are more popular in Japan.

Though cats are considered the more convenient option, dogs are arguably the most popular. Together, let’s explore Japan’s relationship with Cats and Dogs.

Which Are More Loved In Japan: Cats Or Dogs?

According to recent research, dogs are more loved in Japan than cats. Though the figures were close, roughly 7% of the people asked were more likely to have a dog than a cat. 

The reason for this preference is unknown. Generally, dogs are slightly more popular as pets than cats throughout the world.

In the United States, dogs are usually the most common pets. They are closely followed by cats, with fish often taking third place.

Japanese Pet Culture

In recent decades, Japan’s fondness for pets has increased. Pets are now commonly thought of as part of the family.

They have become especially popular among people who don’t have children. 

Japan’s increased pet culture is believed to have started in 2003. During this year, the number of cats and dogs in Japan was larger than the number of children. 

Japanese Attitudes Toward Cats

Cats are well-loved in Japan. As with many animals (see also ‘What Is The National Animal Of Japan?‘), they have cultural significance. Not to mention, they represent certain qualities.

Here are some of the main characteristics that cats are associated with in Japan.

Good Fortune

In Japanese folklore, cats are often considered a symbol of good luck. This symbolic meaning is best represented by Maneki-Neko.

This name refers to cat statues, which are based on the Japanese Bobtail. 

These statues commonly have a raised paw, which represents a greeting gesture. Maneki-Neko is commonly placed in establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, and laundromats.

The cat figurines are designed to promote good fortune in these locations.

Cat Cafes

Cat cafes are fairly widespread in Japan. These themed cafes enable customers to consume food and drink alongside cats, who they can pet and play with.

So if you are an avid cat lover, these can be excellent places to visit. There are roughly 50 different cat cafes in Tokyo alone, such as Temari no Ouchi.

As with other countries, cats are also regarded as incredibly cute. This is best symbolized by Hello Kitty, a fictional feline character.

Designed by Yuko Shimizu, Hello Kitty is popular throughout the globe, but remains particularly well-loved in its country of origin. 

An entire franchise has been dedicated to this cat character, with clothes and toys often bearing the appearance of Hello Kitty.

Japan is even home to Hello Kitty theme parks, namely in Hiji in Ōita and Tama New Town in Tokyo.

National Cat Day

Japan annually celebrates National Cat Day, also known as Nyan Nyan Nyan Day or Meow Meow Meow Day.

This event is celebrated every year on the 22nd of February. 

On this day, Japanese people often post pictures of themselves with cats on social media.

This is a wonderful way of increasing awareness about the importance of adopting cats.

Japanese Attitudes Toward Dogs

Dog ownership in Japan has only grown. They are often excellent companions to their masters. 

Defenders

Dogs, known in Japan as Inu, are portrayed as defenders. In Japanese culture, dogs are said to protect people.

Dogs are said to ward off kitsune foxes, which refers to Japanese trickster foxes. 

Hanasaka Jiisan

This is a Japanese folk tale. According to this narrative, an aged couple cares for their dog greatly. After digging in their garden, the dog manages to find treasure.

Yet, the dog is unable to do this in the garden of a neighbor. In a fit of rage, the neighbor kills the dog. 

That night, the dog’s owner dreams of his beloved pet. The dog tells him to cut down the fig tree under which he is buried and transform it into a mortar.

When the man and his wife follow these orders, the rice that they add to the mortar becomes gold. The neighbor attempts to do the same, but it doesn’t work.

The man then sprinkles the dog’s ashes on a cherry tree. As he does so, the man is rewarded by a daimyo with amazing gifts.

When the neighbor tries this, the ashes end up in the daimyo’s face. As a result, the neighbor is arrested.

This popular folk tale highlights how valued dogs are in Japan.

Pet Considerations In Japan

Rental Laws

If you are renting a property in Japan, you must first get permission from the landlord before introducing a pet to the home.

If you have a pet, you must take steps to limit the disruption that this may cause to your neighbors.

After all, nobody wants to live next door to a dog that barks during the night.

Pet Laws

According to the Rabies Prevention Law, dogs should be vaccinated against the disease. This law applies to all dogs over the age of 90 days.

Though it is fine for a dog to defecate in public spaces, such as parks and fields, dog owners must clean up after themselves.

Bags are readily available at stores so that you can easily clean up after your dog. 

Likewise, dogs must be kept on their leashes when walking in public spaces. Japan has stricter leash laws than other countries.

Moreover, to prevent pets from being abandoned by their owners, Japan has made it mandatory for dogs and cats to be microchipped.

Plus, these can stop pets from going missing, since pet owners can track their animals.

So if you intend to bring your pet to Japan, you must first ensure that it has a microchip.

Space

Space is another important factor. Cats are better suited to smaller apartments than many dog breeds.

As a consequence, many smaller dog breeds, such as Shiba Inu and miniature dachshunds, are particularly popular in the country. 

In cities, apartments tend to be particularly small. This has resulted in the emergence of micro-apartments in Japan, which is an affordable form of self-contained apartments.

As you can imagine, having sufficient room for a large pet in these apartments is difficult.

As a consequence, you may wish to refrain from having a pet if you live in a Japanese micro-apartment. If possible, you may wish to opt for a hamster or fish (see also ‘What Is A Nishikigoi?‘).

As an overcrowded country, Japan is often considered a poor environment to raise pets. Of course, this will depend on the region of Japan in which you live.

While cities may not be the ideal environment for pets, rural parts of the county can be more than suitable. 

Final Thoughts

Japan is increasingly becoming a pet-loving nation. Both cats and dogs are beloved in Japan, though dogs tend to be slightly more popular.

If you wish to bring your favorite furry friend to Japan, you should know that this can be a phenomenal place to raise your pets!