…And in the saga of offbeat things you can find in Japan and you cannot miss is the Neko (cat) or the Usagi (rabbit) cafe !
Yeap, that is right, a place on earth where you pay to pet cats or rabbits! Cat cafes are perhaps more popular than rabbit cafes ( So far I haven’t seen a rabbit cafe here in Tokyo, but I know they exists because I got a link from a friend to a Usagi cafe homepage) The popularity of these cafes can be attributed to the limited space you have in many Tokyo apartments and to the so unfamous forbidding -pet rule many landlords impose their tenants. So how the Japanese kawaii culture addicts managed to satisfy their kawaii needs? Well, for a cover fee, you can have a drink and up to an hour or more to enjoy the company of these little furry creatures. This picture was taken in a cafe in Shimokitazawa, (for 30 minutes 700yen!!!!! I think this one was pricy):
Now I as told that these cafes actually are controlled by the local authorities in order to protect your health as well as the animals’ health. The protocol to enter this place demands you to remove your shoes (well that is pretty much everywhere in Japan), wash your hands and sanitize them with alcohol gel at the entrance. You are provided with cat toys to play with and you may not bring you own . You cannot disturb sleeping animals and you will be asked to leave if you engage in inappropriate behavior. This place is quite peaceful, but not peaceful enough for me…. did I mention I was allergic to cats? well, yea, I just did this for mere curiosity 🙂
I am not going to start a debate here about animal rights, but I have to consider both sides of the coin. This place keeps more o less 20 to 60 cats. Some I was told where stray cats and some cafes intend to promote awareness about pet abandonment. However some people argue that these cafes are some sort of “pet pimping” places: you pay, you can touch. Many are open until late hours and despite the rules, it is doubtful these animals have complete rest when numerous customers touch them per day.
Up to you to make an opinion… perhaps visit them and judge by yourself…..
Here below: a cat cafe in Shibuya
