Surviving with Companion Animals in Japan
2020[]; ? (?): 3-31
PMIDC7359046
show ga
This chapter provides a brief background of the empirical research in this volume
by describing the position of companion animals in contemporary Japan and the
context of the 3.11 earthquake and tsunami. Today, about 34.3% (Cabinet Office
Government of Japan 2010) of Japanese households keep some kind of pet. It is
evident from the multiple social surveys that a strong attachment to pets has
emerged since the mid-1990s. On 11 March 2011, the Tohoku region in Japan was
struck by a large earthquake and the tsunami that followed. This was the largest
earthquake on record in Japan. The Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant was
seriously damaged and released radiation which continues to be an ongoing issue
for those living in that part of Japan. The serious damage to humans and other
animals caused by the tsunami and the radioactive contamination is outlined. The
author provides an overview of the study and shows research questions. Then, she
reviews the relevant literature, noting that most of the studies are set in a
Western context and pointing to the contributions that might be made by
considering how one highly developed Asian society has responded to the plight of
pet owners following a major disaster. The chapter ends by showing the structure
of the book.
free
free
free
