Japan Times 1946: Parliamentary Japan ushers in new era as five women mount Lower House rostrum
History takes place in the Diet as five women politicians address the Lower House. Hisako Yoneyama, a Social Democrat, has the distinction of being the first woman to speak.
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.
The condemnation of Japan became louder with the announcement that Tokyo would leave the International Whaling Commission, but is there a benefit to this?
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
Cat cafes facing more scrutiny as owners' top priority not always felines, experts say
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 ...
As perceptions of animals evolve, so does English
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.
A media circus surrounds Japan's animal acts
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 ...
Love of robots may pave way for better treatment of animals
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 ...
