I was very disappointed at the coverage of Hanako's death in your newspaper ("Hanako, Japan's oldest elephant, dies at age 69," May 27). There was no mention of the international consternation and protest surrounding this female elephant's incarceration in an environment unworthy of any zoo in the 21st century.
I am proud that zoos in Australia and other countries have recognized the need for animals to have contact with others of their kind, within an environment as close as possible to their natural conditions. It challenges my belief that Japan is a country of people of compassion, to see your article, which in no way mentions the concerns for this elephant's welfare.
Perhaps The Japan Times needs to consider how its coverage of issues of concern affects public perception of Japanese society and values.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.