Animal Welfare Japan

17/09/2026

Fantastic news! Our collboration with Wild Welfare concerning animal cafes continues to be successful with Japan's Ministery of the Environment launbching an investigation.
WW have worked hard to get to this point, and we will continue to support them.

𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘀! 🇯🇵
Following our extensive research across 80+ cafés in collaboration with Nippon Life Sciences University, Nottingham Trent University, 動物との共生を考える連絡会（動共連）and Animal Welfare Japan, severe concerns regarding safety, care and animal welfare were uncovered.
We concluded that NO exotic animal café can meet the complex needs and requirements of wild species. This preliminary government review is a key first step toward positive lasting reform in Japan.
📖 Read our full response to the announcement at https://wildwelfare.org/animal-cafe-gov-investigation-jp

Japanese Government are reported to be investigating and reviewing Exotic Animal Cafés across the country following reports of extremely poor welfare standards.

17/09/2026

The Tokyo branch often encounters hoarding situations with dogs. Recently 21 animals were found in one home! Below are Nico and Hana who were among those rescued. As you can see they are living their best lives now at a new home!

11/08/2026

The Tochigi Branch of our sister society JAWSTokyo has been working hard recently after rescuing over 80 cats from an area which measured just 108 feet. The scene was described as a 'living hell' because the cats were being kept in crates and pet carriers. The cats were removed and received any veterinary treatment that was needed. They are now in the process of being re-homed.
The money we raise goes to help with situations like these. If you would like to help head to our website www.awj.org.uk and you can donate. It all helps us to help them.

21/07/2026

Wild Welfare are just one of the organisations we support with funds for their very important work in Japan.
Read below for news on the 10 years we have been collbrating with the wonderful an incredibly dedicated people at Wild Welfare...

From Wild Welfare: We are incredibly proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Animal Welfare Japan! Since 2016, AWJ’s sustained support has been a cornerstone of our work in Japan, helping us establish a credible, science-led foundation to start improving the lives of captive wild animals across the country.
What started as a joint effort to address the welfare of hundreds of bears in Japanese bear parks has grown into other far-reaching projects. Over the past decade, this vital collaboration has enabled us to:
✅ Contribute expert technical evidence to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
✅ Rescue and rehome four brown bears in urgent need.
✅ Publish robust, peer-reviewed research on bear parks and exotic animal cafés to create an evidence base for long-term reform.
✅ Build durable, respectful relationships with local Japanese partners and NGOs.
Our Senior Advisor, Georgina Groves, noted that “Our latest programme represents a decisive step forward – from research and advocacy into implementation, capacity building, and measurable animal welfare change. With a generous new grant from AWJ for 2026, we are taking practical steps to embed higher welfare standards into Japanese legislation and tackle the growing crisis of exotic animal cafés."
🔗See the full article in the AWJ's Spring issue of their Magazine: https://awj.org.uk
See less

We raise money in the UK, which is used to help combat animal cruelty and neglect in Japan. We help fund animal welfare groups who are involved in the rescue, treatment and care of animals. We also help fund research and projects, including animal cafés and zoos.

30/06/2026

Today we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Animal Welfare Japan (formerly the Japan Animal Welfare Society UK) for their generous grant and, more importantly, for standing beside HEART for so many years.
Their support will help keep our Tokushima Spay Clinic running through the end of 2026, allowing us to continue providing affordable spay and neuter services to our community and preventing suffering before it begins.
Today’s clinic was a perfect reminder of why this work matters. Despite the pouring rain, 43 cats came through our doors for spay and neuter surgery. Every one of those surgeries represents future litters that will never be born into homelessness, neglect or suffering.
At HEART, we believe that while rescue saves lives today, prevention changes the future. We are incredibly grateful to have supporters who share that vision and understand that the kindest way to help animals is to stop the cycle of suffering before it starts.
Thank you, Animal Welfare Japan, for believing in prevention and helping us create a kinder future for animals in Tokushima.
From all of us at HEART, and on behalf of the animals of Tokushima—thank you. ❤️

19/05/2026

Raise FREE donations for us when you shop online at 6,000+ stores with Give as you Live. Plus, earn a bonus donation for 19293 when you complete your first shop before 31st May > https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/animal-welfare-japan?utm_source=charitytoolkit&utm_content=19293&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=CTSpringShopperIncentiveCampaign