In Japan cats and dogs more popular than babies

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Japan seems to be moving away slowly moving from a traditional family oriented concept. Now pets are becoming a valuable member of the family, unheard of 30 or 40 years ago in Japan. Before, the Japanese respected animals but were not given too much importance. Now it is very different, there is a massive growing industry just for the pets.

The Shukan Economist newspaper in Japan estimates that nearly 1 trillion yen ($9.5 billion) is being spent for pets. There are an estimated 23 million more pets (cats and dogs) than children under 15. In comparison, the US has 100 million pets (cats and dogs) and spend about $41 billion.

Shukan Economist traced the origin of the pet booms to the 1980s when the Japanese economy began to grow. The rich began to have golden retrievers as status symbols. But the economy went bust and the pet boom quickly died also. Then, in 2000, there was a popular TV commercial featuring a Chihuahua, and it became an instant hit. Everyone craved to have a pet Chihuahua and the best thing is anyone could afford it. So this time the pet boom stayed and kept growing to what it is now.

Lately the miniature dachshunds have gained popularity in Japan. The Japan Kennel Club estimated that there were more dachshunds than Chihuahuas -- 88,615 to 82,658. The toy poodles are the next favorites with 78,725.

Shukan Economist said because these dogs are tiny and cute, the owners love to give them lavish attention and care. There are special pet spas, pet gyms, pet nursing care, pet hotels, cafes, health clubs, gourmet food, clothing, jewelry and pet health insurance.

There are also pet funerals, which are as elaborate as human funerals and some owners suffer from “pet-loss syndrome” and end up seeking counseling.

The Journal says because the Japanese are spending lavish attention on the pets, they are no longer interested in having children. There is a marked decline in the birth-rate of newborns.

Since many shops depend on newborn babies, some of them are switching to cater to pet markets, according to Shukan Economist.

Masahiro Yamada, Chuo University literature professor gave the following reason for the pet boom to the human longing to be needed, a longing ironically undermined by society's greatest triumphs — freedom and independence. Independence breeds indifference, which is contagious. Only our pets need and love us unconditionally.

Yamada said in pre-modern village life, there were built-in social networks and everyone had a place in it. There was lifetime employment, stable working conditions and family and friends providing ample support. But now there is casual employment, and weakened family ties have led to this pet boom.