Animal cafes become popular Japanese birds, rabbits and goats accompany customers to drink coffee

In Japan, many people like to patronize cat cafes and spend leisure time in the company of docile kittens. Inspired by this idea, a number of new animal cafes have been opened in the capital Tokyo in recent years, including birds, rabbits and even goats.

There are about 20 birds in "Bird Coffee" in eastern Tokyo, most of them are cute owls, as well as several parrots and an eagle. The birds are not stocked, but kept in a separate glass room. In addition to bird watching, drinking coffee and tasting delicious food, customers can also wear gloves with the help of the shop assistant and have a close contact with the lovely owl.

Every weekend, there are long queues in front of the store, and 90% of the customers are women. A die-hard fan who comes three times a week said: "I especially like to look at the owl's big round eyes and small mouth." I like them very much because I can touch them with my own hands. "

The cafe, which opened in 2012, is the first owl-themed cafe in Tokyo. Driven by it, there are more than ten owl cafes in Tokyo.

"some female customers are afraid of the owl's claws and beak, but in fact, it is a very loving animal, which attracts a lot of customers to come back," said Tong Shan, the manager. "

The number of cafes that can play with rabbits has also been on the rise in recent years. "Sun Rabbit Coffee" is opened in the residential area of Shitiani District of Tokyo. It is especially popular with young women and families with children. It is always fully booked on weekends. Customers can not only enjoy coffee and delicious food, but also play with rabbits in the free-range area. Cafes charge 1400 yen ($13.60) per hour for adults and 700yen ($6.80) per hour for children.

Unlike most animal cafes that "focus" on female customers, a cafe in Shibuya in Tokyo attracts many male customers with two goats. The cafe, which opened in 2009, introduced two goats the following year and raised them in a small hut at the entrance. Passenger traffic has soared since then. Customers can feed the goats and even take a walk with the sheep in the company of the shop assistant.

Why are cafes with animals so popular?

"people are under a lot of pressure nowadays," said Takamatsu Zhengxing, director of the Japan Animal Therapy Association. "Neuroscience studies show that people's mood improves after spending time with their favorite animals."