On a recent trip to Japan one of the things that really struck me was the absence of visible animal life.

This was the case, not just in the big cities like Tokyo, but also rurally. I saw not one cow, horse, sheep, goat nor any other critter. I saw no wild beasts although heard stories of hunters catching bear and deer (to eat).

One day I saw 6 black birds.

In Tokyo and Yokohama (a large city just below Tokyo) there was the occasional dog.

Rarely walking on its own legs.

Usually in a pusher - which I can only assume was made for purpose - replete with blankets and cushions. The dog was always dressed to the nines in its going-out outfit. Possibly a waterproof jacket over the top. Maybe a little hat.

Then there were the dogs in baskets, dog backpacks (the dog’s head pops out through a hole), carry bags and pet slings (like a back pack but the pet is round the front - usually with a leg casually hanging out).

The one dog that I saw walking on its own legs had sneakers on, a nifty jacket and a head piece. It might have been antlers. I am not sure who was more uncomfortable - me or the dog.

The place where I did see animals was at an animal cafe.

There are many of these in Japan featuring owls, cats, dogs, hedgehogs, penguins, otters, snakes, foxes, mini pigs, parrots and, of course, the mixed animal ‘zoo’.

The picture below is of the Harajuku Zoo where I paid my money and spent 20 minutes.

I cuddled a few animals but left feeling very uneasy.

The inside of the premises was pink. Pink everywhere.

It was clean. It was quiet. The animals were brushed and clean. They had food and water.

They had meercats, hedgehogs, ferrets, one long eared fox (who slept the entire time - I checked for a pulse) and a tiny very distressed-looking monkey in a birdcage.

Great care was taken to ensure that the animals were treated gently. The customers were quiet and carefully cradled the little animals whilst cooing and taking photos.

It was a fascinating glimpse into this phenomena.

Cafes where one can interact with animals. Have a soft drink and pat a hedgehog.

I suppose it is really little different to the zoos of yesteryear. Just on a smaller scale and incorporating themes and stylized colour palettes.

I admit to feeling very conflicted and wanted to do a grab and release. Let the creatures go back to the wilds.

But I was also very grateful to be able to see and touch animals I had never been close to before. A selfish consumeristic appreciation at the expense of little creatures.

I think I should have gone to the cat cafe.