1. The Root of the Tragedy: Animals are "Objects" 

I have always lived with a deep sense of love for animals. Growing up in Japan, I was taught that they deserve kindness. Yet, our laws do not reflect this. Japan’s legal system treats animals as "objects" (property). This archaic designation means that harming an animal is often treated as mere "property damage," with fines sometimes less than the price of a stuffed toy. This "Object = Life" definition is the root of all cruelty.

2. Japan: A Global Hub for Exploitation

Japan has a rich history of respecting nature, but today, we serve as a primary source for global exploitation.

• Live Exports: In 2020, Japan exported over 210,000 live animals in dire, inhumane conditions.    ex Taiji ｄｏｒｆｆｉｎ

• The Dolphin Trade: The drive hunts in Taiji are the starting point for a global business, where families are slaughtered, and survivors are sold as "commodities" to aquariums worldwide.

As long as Japan continues this supply, the global cycle of abuse will never end.

3. Violence Disguised as "Culture"

We must confront the dark side of our "tradition." Cockfighting, dogfighting, and "Ban'ei" horse racing are still defended as culture. But in the 21st century, forcing animals to injure each other or push themselves to the point of collapse for entertainment is not "culture"—it is state-sanctioned violence. Tradition does not justify cruelty.

4. WARNING: Your "Cute" Experience Fuels the Fire

To every visitor and citizen: Please look behind the colorful signs of Owl Cafes, Otter Cafes, and street performances. Being separated from nature and forced to endure constant human touch in windowless rooms causes these animals unbearable stress.

When you pay for these experiences, you are "funding" the continuation of their cage life. Your consumption is the fuel that keeps this tragedy alive. We must stop paying for the exploitation of life.

5. Our Demands for Reform

Japan lags far behind international standards, risking our global reputation. We demand:

1. Legal Recognition: Amend the Animal Protection Law to recognize animals as sentient beings, not objects.

2. End Exploitative Exports: Stop the shipping of live animals under inhumane conditions.

3. Stricter Regulations: Implement severe penalties for abuse and phase out industries that prioritize profit over life.

6. A Plea to the World

I feel a limit to what we can achieve from within Japan alone. The government may ignore its citizens, but it fears "International Shame." Please sign this petition to show that the world is watching. Together, we can bring the "Rainbow Bridge"—a vision of peace and dignity—to the animals living on Earth today.

Please lend us your voice to ensure compassion prevails over profit.

#ResonanceOfLife #AnimalRightsJapan #EndTheCycle #RainbowBridgeProject