Percentage of Cage-Free Chickens in Japan Is 1.11% While Other 98.89% Are Cage Raised: 2023 Survey Results

There is no official data on the percentage of chickens raised cage free in Japan. This means that, while the overall number of the chickens kept is known, the government does not have accurate information on the raising methods used. In contrast, many European countries, the United States, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand keep such statistics. Just this past week, on October 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released data showing that as of June 2023, 38% of chickens in the country were not confined to cages. So what about Japan? The government uses the statistics released by the International Egg Commission that are based on the…

Cafe ‘Good Habit’ Commits to Cage-Free Eggs: Striving to Be an Entity That Does Not Oppress the Planet and Animals

The cafe GOOD HABIT in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, known for its scones and tea, has committed to cage-free. A cage-free commitment means either switching the cage eggs to cage-free eggs (such as barn-laid or free-range), or for company that are already using only cage-free eggs, it is a promise to consumers that they will continue to avoid using cage eggs. When the Animal Rights Center Japan contacted GOOD HABIT, we were surprised by the owner, Mrs. Yashima’s, great understanding of the cage-free movement. This was because Ms. Yashima had attended the Ethical Concierge Course hosted by the Ethical Association several times, including lectures by the Animal Rights Center Japan,…

Let’s end caged rearing

Regarding the animal welfare regulations on rearing method that the International Animal Health Organization OIE is trying to formulate, Japan continues to give negative opinions saying “reasonable flexibility should be ensured considering various production modes”. In response to industry and national attitudes, we, the Animal Rights Center Japan, have requested that animal welfare be enhanced in collaboration with other animal rights groups. Consumer groups have also joined the national committee and are speaking out for animal welfare. However, the opinions of NGOs are not reflected at all. The chicken farm shown in this video is from Japan. This is the result of ensuring reasonable flexibility. There is no law at…