Business Apr 28, 2020
Piglets aborted and chickens gassed as pandemic slams meat sector
Farmers say they have no choice but to cull livestock as they run short on space to house their animals or money to feed them.
National / Science & Health | NATURAL SELECTIONS Jan 25, 2019
by Rowan Hooper
The condemnation of Japan became louder with the announcement that Tokyo would leave the International Whaling Commission, but is there a benefit to this?
National Dec 23, 2017
Environment chief denies claims that Japan is center for illegal ivory trading
Environment Minister Masaharu Nakagawa denies claims that Japan has been a hotbed for illegal ivory exports even after a wildlife watchdog urged Japan to stop fueling the internationally outlawed trade practice. "We have been bolstering distribution management in the market and taking necessary measures," following ...
National Aug 20, 2017
After 13-year quest, shamisen maker sheds animal skin in favor of synthetic
A shamisen instrument maker near Tokyo has developed a synthetic substitute for the cat and dog skins used to craft the traditional three-stringed instrument. Developed by Komatsuya Ltd., the artificial material has been well received by professional musicians for its ability to match sound created ...
World Jul 6, 2017
PETA protesters don horns, doff tops in Pamplona call for end to bull runs
Around 100 shirtless protesters covered in red powder called for a ban on bullfighting and bull runs as they marched through the streets of Pamplona on Wednesday, in a prelude to the northern Spanish city's famous bull festival. The activists from animal rights groups People ...
National / Crime & Legal Oct 7, 2016
Former Hokkaido horse breeder found guilty of shooting dead two thoroughbreds
A former operator of a racehorse breeding farm in Hokkaido was found guilty Friday of shooting dead two thoroughbred horses, in a case highlighting the financial struggles facing many breeders in a region known for its racehorses. The Sapporo District Court's Urakawa branch sentenced Akihiko ...
National Aug 14, 2016
Would-be buckaroos took part in their last pig rodeo in Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture, Saturday after organizers of the long-held festival decided to shut it down following criticism it was a form of animal abuse. The festival, held almost every year for the past 25 years, ...
National / Social Issues May 7, 2016
Cat cafes facing more scrutiny as owners' top priority not always felines, experts say
by Sophie Jackman
The prospect of an afternoon of relaxation in the company of fluffy, purring friends has earned cat cafes a top spot on the itineraries of visitors to Japan, but not all operators have the interests of their feline employees in mind, animal experts warn. The ...
Commentary / World Feb 8, 2016
As perceptions of animals evolve, so does English
by Peter Singer
In a language like English, which implicitly categorizes animals as things rather than persons, adopting the personal pronoun would embody the same recognition — and remind us who animals really are.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX May 30, 2015
A media circus surrounds Japan's animal acts
by Philip Brasor
The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums has voted to stop buying dolphins captured during drive hunts conducted by fishermen in Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture. For the past decade, the town has received a great deal of negative publicity because of its dolphin slaughter, and ...
National / Science & Health | NATURAL SELECTIONS Dec 20, 2014
Love of robots may pave way for better treatment of animals
by Rowan Hooper
If chimps had history books, a few individuals would have important chapters devoted to them. One would be David Greybeard, the chimp who in 1960 was observed by Jane Goodall using a piece of grass as a tool. Another would be Ai, the female chimp ...
National Mar 26, 2014
Things look up for Tokyo's jilted felines
by Mie Sakamoto
Good news for cat lovers without cats: You can now find your new pet and an apartment to share it with at the same time. Keiko Morishita, an embassy employee and Tokyo resident, is one of those whose apartments have become "temporary shelters" for abandoned ...