Most Popular Pets in Japan
Quick answer
In Japan, cats and dogs are the most popular pets, and the number of pet cats has overtaken pet dogs. Small breeds, indoor cats, ornamental fish such as goldfish and koi, and small caged pets suit the country's compact homes.
Pet culture in Japan
Japan's pet culture favors animals that fit comfortably into small apartments and busy city lives. Cats have become the country's most-kept companion, narrowly ahead of dogs, and small dog breeds are far more common than large ones. Cats are so beloved that the country is home to dozens of dedicated cat cafes.
The most popular pets in Japan
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Cats
Now the most numerous pet in Japan, prized for thriving in small apartments; the country even celebrates an unofficial Cat Day on 22 February.
See the top 10 cat breeds -
Dogs
Small breeds like the Toy Poodle and Chihuahua dominate, and the native Shiba Inu and Akita are national icons.
See the top 10 dog breeds -
Fish
Goldfish are a summer-festival tradition, and ornamental koi carp are treasured as living artwork in garden ponds.
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Small caged pets
Hamsters, rabbits, and small birds are popular with families and apartment dwellers short on space.
Interesting facts about pets in Japan
- The number of pet cats in Japan has overtaken the number of pet dogs.
- Japan invented the cat cafe concept's modern boom, with venues where visitors relax among resident cats.
- Ornamental koi carp bred in Japan can sell for very high prices and may live for decades.
Frequently asked questions about pets in Japan
What is the most popular pet in Japan?
Cats are the most popular pet in Japan, having overtaken dogs in number. Both are kept widely, but cats suit Japan's compact homes and busy lifestyles especially well.
Why are small dogs so popular in Japan?
Small dog breeds such as Toy Poodles and Chihuahuas are popular in Japan because they fit comfortably in small city apartments and are easier to care for in dense urban areas.
Are fish popular pets in Japan?
Yes. Goldfish are a beloved tradition tied to summer festivals, and ornamental koi carp are kept in garden ponds and admired as living artwork.