Japanese Culture and Animals

An artist Ujiie-san, who is also a foster parent of chickens we rescued, donated a Buddhist art piece to the Animal Rights Center. 

Ideas of animal rights or animal welfare are often promoted by buddhist religious groups in some countries, like Taiwan or China. Although that’s not necessarily always the case here in Japan, a few temples share the passion of animal activism.

Irrespective of religion, Japanese culture has originally appreciated ideas of mercy, compassion, dislike of killing, and respect for all beings.  

Many believe animal rights movements came from the Western society. However, the philosopher Peter Singer, who has theorized modern animal rights in academia, states that animal rights are more easily accepted by buddhist countries like Japan. 

For example, animals are clearly perceived as inferior beings in Western fairy tales as humans become animals as a result of their mishaps. On the contrary, animals are often portrayed as saint-like beings in Japan in children’s stories like the Crane of Gratitude.

Some research argues that there’s little boundary between animals and humans in Japanese folklore whereas Grimm’s fairy tales demonize animals.  

We suggest incorporating this Japanese view on animals into our day-to-day lives.

In doing so, let’s start making efforts to stop animal cruelty if you think our behaviors are afflicting animals. We’re happy to help you in this journey. 

* Animal Rights Center Japan has no associations with any religion or religious groups.

Translation thanks to Seika K.