It's a good month to be a pet lover in Osaka. Next weekend, two events are planned to strengthen animal-human bonds through music and shopping.
The musical experience comes via the Happy Music Festa, a concert that features artists such as Tortoise Matsumoto, Miu Sakamoto and Bonnie Pink, who are all known for having strong love for their pets.
"I would like to gather as many animal lovers as I can to help make Japan a better place for animals to live," Bonnie Pink said according to the event's website.
The musicians will perform their usual songs, but will also talk about the difficult situations some animals face. Happy Music Festa was established last year to save pets that had lost their homes, and to try to ban animal euthanasia.
Those in Tokyo will be able to catch the concert when it comes to Ebisu Garden Hall on Sept. 19 (4 p.m.).
The second pet-themed event that will take place in Osaka is the Pet Haku industry fair. As one of the country's largest exhibitions, participants get to interact with a variety of animals such as cats, dogs, birds and even reptiles. For pet owners, it may be a good chance to replace a broken collar or chewed-up leash because there will be plenty of pet supplies on hand. Also, there will be a free campaign to tag pets with microchips. The event hopes to stress the importance of tagging pets in order to keep them from going missing.
Happy Music Festa takes place in Hattori Ryokuchi Yagai Ongakudou in Toyonaka-shi, Osaka, on Sept. 23. The event opens at 1 p.m. and starts at 2 p.m. Admission is ¥4,500 for adults and ¥2,000 for children. For details, call (06) 7732-8888 or visit www.happymusicfesta.com. Pet Haku takes place at Intex Osaka in Suminoe-ku, Osaka, from Sept. 23 to 25. The event will be held from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Admission is ¥1,200 for adults ¥800 for children. Reserved tickets are ¥1,000 for adults ¥500 for children. For details, call (06) 6947-1912 or visit www.pethaku.com.
