They're furry. They're fun. They're portable. They're Japan's fastest-growing pet craze. Ten years ago they were nowhere on the pet scene; today they edge out rabbits for third place after dogs and cats.
They're ferrets.
"Ferrets may be an ideal pet for Japanese apartment life," says Chieko Coleman, marketing director of pet importer BVJ Ltd. "They're not too big, not too small. They're affectionate and playful. They don't bark or yowl. They use a litter box, so they don't have to be walked, but on the other hand they enjoy going on outings with their owner and never get overexcited or panicky when they do."