Japan is set to conduct a nationwide survey of animal cafes amid rising concerns about hygiene standards and animal welfare at these establishments, authorities announced Thursday. The cafes, which allow visitors to interact with a variety of animals ranging from cats to capybaras, have come under scrutiny by campaigners citing cramped conditions and the possible promotion of illegal wildlife trade.

The Ministry of the Environment will initiate the fact-finding investigation as early as next month. The initial phase will focus on gathering basic information, including the number of such cafes across the country and the types of animals they house. Officials will assess compliance with existing laws, particularly regarding the space allocated to animals and the frequency of cleaning procedures. “We may conduct on-site inspections if facilities appear to violate regulations outlined in the animal welfare law,” a ministry representative said on condition of anonymity.

This move follows recommendations from an expert panel on animal welfare, reflecting growing calls from advocacy groups to regulate the industry more strictly. Animal cafes have become popular consumer destinations, featuring an expansive range of species such as micro-pigs, hedgehogs, owls, snakes, otters, raccoons, and various reptiles.

A 2025 survey conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature Japan highlighted troubling practices at some venues, including the keeping of endangered species classified on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Certain animals are also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which governs international wildlife trade.

The WWF report noted that several cafes exhibited insufficient hygiene management. Most notably, many did not encourage visitors to wash their hands after interacting with animals. Microbiological tests uncovered pathogenic bacteria in multiple locations, raising public health concerns.

Laila Imai, Asia campaign coordinator for the animal welfare group PETA, criticized the industry’s focus on customer entertainment at the expense of animal well-being. “Whether the animals are otters, capybaras, raccoons, owls, reptiles, or other wild species, these businesses are built around close encounters that prioritize customer entertainment over the animals’ needs,” Imai said. She added that many animals endure constant handling, loud environments, continuous exposure to flashing cameras, and frequent contact with strangers, which she described as stressful and unnatural.

Despite the controversy surrounding some cafes, others function as adoption centers, assisting in rehoming rescued cats and dogs. The Environment Ministry’s survey aims to establish clearer oversight to ensure the welfare of animals while addressing hygiene and public safety concerns in this growing segment of Japan’s leisure industry.