24/06/2025
Japan now has more pets than children—about 15.9 million cats and dogs compared to just 13.7 million people under age 15. The imbalance reflects a deeper demographic shift as fewer couples choose to have kids, citing high costs, long work hours, and rigid gender roles.
Instead, many are turning their care and spending toward animals, driving a ¥1.9-trillion pet economy packed with premium food, luxury accessories, and high-end health services. It’s a cultural pivot that speaks volumes about the country’s evolving definition of family.
