You’ve just received a classified communiqué from an unlikely source: the RSPCA. Word has reached them about the rising popularity of animal cafés in Japan—where patrons sip lattes surrounded by owls, hedgehogs, and micro-pigs—and concerns are swirling about the ethics behind the fluff. As the unofficial cultural attaché for the Royal Society for the Benefit of Weebs (RSBW), you’ve been quietly seconded to conduct a hands-on audit. Your mission is simple: visit as many animal cafés as possible, observe, assess, and report back on both the vibes and the welfare standards. Are these cafés cozy sanctuaries for animal lovers, or PR nightmares waiting to happen?
Honestly, you're not thrilled about the idea of sipping cappuccinos under the judgemental gaze of a cat that may or may not be plotting your demise. But orders are orders. Someone back home has to figure out whether the hamster hammocks are up to spec.
Get hands on experience in the weird and wonderful world of animal cafes. All you need to do is go to one for a coffee to complete this mission, but petting is encouraged.
HQ and their contacts at Timeout have compiled a list of some of the top animal cafes around:
There's a few more suggestions for Osaka here