People enjoy interacting with a miniature pig at a mipig cafe in Tokyo on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The amusing experience is captured in this photo by Eugene Hoshiko for the Associated Press.
In the bustling streets of Tokyo, a unique trend is capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike: the pig cafe. Following the footsteps of pet-friendly establishments and cat cafes, the pig cafe is gaining popularity as a novel destination for animal enthusiasts seeking a distinctive experience.
Recently, visitors like Brad Loomis, a software engineer from Pullman, Washington, and his daughter Paige, joined the growing number of patrons at Tokyo's Mipig Cafe. The cafe, nestled in the fashionable Harajuku district, offers customers the chance to interact with miniature pigs, known as "micro pigs," for a fee of 2,200 yen (US$15) during the first 30 minutes. Reservations are a prerequisite to ensure a spot in the company of these adorable companions.
Unlike the stereotypical image of pigs, the micro pigs at Mipig are surprisingly quiet, social, and exceptionally clean, debunking common misconceptions about their hygiene. Shiho Kitagawa, an executive at Mipig, emphasizes the uniqueness of each pig's personality, describing them affectionately as "buta-san."
Mipig Cafe is just one of ten such establishments operated by the company across Japan, with the first one opening its doors in Tokyo in 2019. The success of the concept has led to plans for two more cafes later this year.
These micropigs, resembling corgi dogs in size even as adults, have become sought-after pets, available for purchase at approximately 200,000 yen ($1,350). Mipig reports having sold 1,300 pigs as pets, emphasizing their appeal as clean, toilet-trained, and people-friendly companions. The cafes also feature baby pigs the size of toy poodles, adding to the charm.
Visitors, including foreigners like Australian Ben Russell and New Zealander Sophie Mo'unga, expressed their delight at the pig cafe experience, citing social media as the primary source of discovery. The cafe's popularity extends beyond traditional advertising, attracting tourists who incorporate a visit into their Japan itinerary.
However, not everyone embraces the trend without reservations. Sachiko Azuma, head of PEACE (Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation) in Tokyo, raises ethical concerns about the potential stress on animals from constant human interaction. Azuma contends that these cafes turn animals into tools for profit and advocate for ethical treatment.
Dr. Bruce Kornreich, a professor at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, acknowledges the positive impact of animal interactions on human well-being, citing lower blood pressure and reduced stress. While ethical debates persist, the pig cafe trend represents a broader phenomenon of animal-themed coffee shops in Japan, featuring owls, hedgehogs, birds, and even snakes.
Amid ethical considerations, the undeniable appeal of the pig cafe lies in the joy and relaxation patrons experience when interacting with these charming micro pigs. Whether it's the soothing presence of dogs or the adorable antics of pigs, people find solace and happiness in these unique animal-centric establishments.
