Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japanese love their pets. Dogs are pampered more than people, getting dressed up, riding in special prams, and getting their fur trimmed and beautified.

Bon-chan may not be as pretty and doesn’t merit a trip to a beauty salon, but he gets just as much attention if not more. Bon-chan is a giant tortoise, weighing in at around 100 kg.

Bon-chan was born in 1996 and he came to his owner, Mitani, during the O-Bon holidays, the period when Japan pays respect to their ancestors, the deceased. Mitani owns a funeral company, so the name was a perfect fit.

Bon-chan takes a walk with Mitani every day after 5 pm in the area of Tokyo known as Tsukishima, which is well known for monja-yaki, a kind of sloppy pancake. The pair walk down the so-called ‘Monja Street’ – officially Nishi Naka shopping street – with Bon-chan dressed in a yellow cap and clothes.

Wherever he goes, children gather and call out his name, or pass comments that ‘He’s so cute!’

Bon-chan literally brings joy on the faces of passersby, who take a few minutes to stop by and take some pictures or selfies with the tortoise.

Mitani talks to the children with a gentle voice, asking them if they want to ride Bon-chan or touch him.

Even with COVID-19 bringing a state of emergency to Tokyo, Bon-chan’s regular slow walk with Mitani brings peace of mind to the neighborhood and is a symbol of survival amid tense times in Tokyo.