Today we went out and explored, stopping at a near-by mall. We knew there was a Lego store there, but weren't sure what else to expect. It was surprising at how "western" the mall was. We have gotten used to how much the Japanese love their pets and how much they like to have them with them. They take their dogs everywhere. We had heard about the pet stores at the mall, but what we saw really took us by surprise. The magnatude to their obsession is crazy.
These little guys were parked outside the pet store. Not just any pet store, but one to the extreme specializing in EVERYTHING you could imagine--and sometimes not quite imagine--for your dog or cat. There were clothes, jewlery, food. You name it!
Awhile ago, while still in Korea, we caught a show on Animal Planet about the pet obsession in Japan. One of their features was on the gourmet food that one can purchase for your pet. These pets are so pampered that regular dog food just won't cut it. The "snack" bar was located in the middle of the store.
If you look closely, you'll see that they have included the caloric intake of the treats as well. Sorry it's a bit blurry, but I don't like taking pictures in stores.
We spent a lot of time exploring the store. The boys really enjoyed it and especially had fun looking in the toy section. I guess the scary thing was that this wasn't the only pampered pet store in the mall, there were at least two more!
This store had more licensed items. Lots of Snoopy, Disney, Peter Rabbit. Do you need a Peter Rabbit raincoat with matching carrier for your pooch?
After enjoying some Cold Stone ice cream, mmmmmm. We explored the rest of the mall and came to a specialty food store that had EVERYTHING imaginable from just about anywhere. It was really funny to see Old El Paso taco shells right there next to the Spam and Candadian Maple Syrup. What really caught our eye though was the pasta section. It had our favorite Italian Pasta and right beside it, Kraft Mac and Cheese! However, the $10 can of Kraft Paramesan was amusing. It's always fun to compare prices of everyday American products that we can get and what they cost out in town. Philly Cream Cheese was almost $5!
(I took this from well outside the store.)
Finally, we were left with Garlic Joe's eatery and some interesting pizza.
Not too sure about this one.
unbelievable with the pets!!
Great view inside the life!
Yummy...shrimps pizza... but with mayonnaise? Not sure if this will taste good.
Posted by: bentonflocke | April 09, 2009 at 12:48 AM
I would have to think twice about tht pizza, too. I laughed out loud at the pets in the stroller, and the cat with glasses. Unreal!! Those pet stores are unreal, also...
Posted by: Pat | April 09, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Oh, baby WOW is all I can think of. TFS!
Posted by: Jeannette | April 09, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Those pets in the stroller are too funny. Talk about pampering! Hmmm...that pizza doesn't sound very good!
Posted by: Margaret | April 09, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Great post - I loved seeing your day out! And that pizza...no thanks! :-)
Posted by: Lori | April 09, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I cannot even believe the cat with the glasses, I mean the stroller should have prepared me but... Wow. So freaking funny!
Posted by: Janett | April 09, 2009 at 01:27 PM
HOLY MOLY....in my next life I am going to come back as a pet in Japan (i hope). It is so wonderful for you to share these pieces of anther world for us. I always thought that pets were pretty pampered here in the US too, but apparently we still have far to go. :)
Posted by: Mandy | April 09, 2009 at 07:27 PM
That is incredible!! Can't believe they dress their animals that way!! My cat wouldn't go for it! ;) And $10 for parmesan! Wow!
Posted by: redsie05 | April 09, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Lol, those pets are really pampered! A cat with glasses?! My cats would hate me if I tried such things on them. =)
Posted by: Erika | April 10, 2009 at 06:07 AM
Wow those lucky dogs. I wish stores were more accomadating here in the US.~Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | April 10, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Holy cow! I don't know what to even say.. It's great to see animals taken care of but my goodness!! Calorie intake?? WOW TFS this!
Posted by: suzy | April 10, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I just stumbled on your blog. Great photos! And I've noticed these obsessions as well, and it always puts a smile on my face. I just moved to Yokosuka a couple of months ago, are you military here?
Posted by: Angela | April 10, 2009 at 06:52 PM