Pat our animals (but they might kill you)

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Tokyo's Hanimaru cafe now offers visitors paid sessions to interact with exotic animals like the binturong, a rare mammal domestically bred for close encounters. This trend reflects growing public interest in unusual animal cafes but has prompted concerns from experts and advocates about animal welfare and visitor safety.

In Tokyo, a growing number of animal cafes are offering visitors the chance to interact with increasingly exotic species, including the binturong, a rare mammal resembling a cross between a bear and a wildcat. One such establishment, the Hanimaru cafe, allows guests to pay 1,500 yen (approximately 15 Australian dollars) for a 30-minute session with Popcorn, a binturong bred in Japan.

The cafe’s manager emphasized that the animals are domestically bred, asserting they are safe for visitors. However, the same manager cautioned that binturongs in the wild can inflict serious injuries, capable of biting through an arm until bone is exposed. Alongside the binturong, the cafe also features Japanese raccoon dogs, known as tanuki. The manager described these animals as the most dangerous, explaining that they may attack if they sense fear from handlers or visitors.

Japan’s animal cafe trend began around 15 years ago with venues primarily featuring cats, dogs, rabbits, and gerbils. Over time, these establishments expanded to include hedgehogs and piglets, and now some are showcasing more unusual and wild species. These developments reflect a shift in consumer interest toward close encounters with animals not typically domesticated or found in traditional pet cafes.

Animal welfare and conservation groups have raised concerns about the implications of such cafes. Critics warn that keeping wild or exotic animals in confined settings poses risks to their well-being and can increase the potential for harm to people. These organizations highlight that the stresses associated with captivity and human interaction may negatively affect the animals’ health and behaviour, while also cautioning about zoonotic disease transmission and injury.

Despite the risks noted by experts, the popularity of exotic animal cafes continues to rise, attracting visitors eager for unique animal experiences. This ongoing trend has sparked debate between business owners, who see an opportunity to offer novel interactions with wildlife, and advocates urging stricter regulation to protect both animals and humans.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.