Domestic Pets of Shoguns of Japan

Shoguns were powerful people in Japanese history, but they also had a tender side. Stay tuned as we publish amazing stories about shoguns' relationships with pets.

Falconry, known as takagari, which includes the keeping and training of hawks, was indeed a noble pastime in Tokugawa Japan

The Various Pets of Japan's Shoguns

Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first leader of the Tokugawa Shogunate, had a fondness for birds that was shared by all his descendants. Ieasu's love for falcons made him famous all across the country. He gathered a remarkable assortment of rare birds like parrots, peacocks, and nightingales, alongside his favorite falcon, Hayabusa. Having them around not only enhanced the beauty of his palace but also gave off an air of opulence and refinement.

While some shoguns found consolation in birds, others developed great ties with their loyal dogs. Oda Nobunaga, a tremendously ambitious samurai, was accompanied by a dog called Inu. Inu's commitment to his master echoed Nobunaga's wish for his troops to be as faithful to him. 

Some shoguns' eccentricity was heightened by their preference for unusual animals such as monkeys, deer, and even a tiger, rather than dogs and cats. Although Tokugawa Tsunayoshi is well-known mainly for his animal welfare policies, he also owned a collection of exotic animals such as monkeys, deer, and even a tiger. 

Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, was known for his fondness for horses, particularly his prized stallion Kurokage. Iemitsu utilized Kurokage, a horse renowned for its speed and stamina, to travel across the country swiftly and reach his destinations much quicker. Tokugawa Yoshimune, the ninth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, had distinct preferences. He built exquisite ponds for koi carp in his palace gardens, where he found the ideal spot to reflect and relax.

The picturesque castles of shogunal Japan were filled with domestic pets and exotic animals

Simply put, it was typical to see falcons hunting, dogs guarding the gates, and exotic birds adorning reception halls of ancient Japan. These interactions between humans and animals provide valuable insights into Japan's national essence and remain important for understanding it in the present.

Falcons and Hawks

In Japan's Shogunate period, there was a long-standing custom of hunting with trained birds of prey. Falconry, also referred to as 'takagari' or 'takajutsu,' was not only a recreational activity but also a representation of one's social standing.

Falconry was not a widespread hobby among the general public. Taking care of falcons and hawks requires specialized knowledge, a substantial investment of time, and resources. Most falconers were either samurai or nobles.

Training techniques for hawks were passed down through the years, from one generation to the next, typically from father to son. Hawks were used to hunt a range of animals, like small birds and rabbits, as well as bigger prey like deer. The hawk's trainers would have been proud of the successful hunt of the bird after years of careful attention.

A common sight in shogunal Japan was the majestic sight of hawks gracefully soaring through the air

Indigenous birds like the Japanese Sparrowhawk and Northern Goshawk were employed for the hunts instead of foreign ones.

The Japanese Sparrowhawk, also called Kanmuri-Washi or Kotaka-Washi, is a tiny bird found in Japan and utilized by falconers for hunting small animals like sparrows and quails. Conversely, the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), also called O-Washi or O-Takazura, is a bigger type of hawk famous for its powerful clutch and ability to hunt medium-sized birds and mammals. Experienced falconers favor Northern Goshawks, but these birds also demand additional training time.

The 'Hawk Hunting Festival,' also called the Takagari Matsuri, was an important occasion during the Shogunate period. During the event, Falconers showcased their abilities in hunting and knowledge of natural science. In order to be successful, those who practice falconry need to have a deep understanding of hawk anatomy and behavior, as well as consider aspects such as wing shape, talon strength, and keen eyesight.

Dogs

Japanese view on dogs was heavily shaped by the importance of social order and loyalty to family, which were inherent traits in dogs. In Japan's society with a strong hierarchy, dogs were a perfect example of loyalty and obedience, which are greatly esteemed. Samurais frequently developed strong bonds with their dogs, who were seen as companions in warfare and defenders of homes.

However, there was a difference in how domestic pets and stray dogs were viewed, with stray dogs being seen as much lower in status. This even led to samurai incorporating the killing of stray dogs into their training practices.

 Dogs, from the loyal companions of the samurai to the enduring tale of Hachiko's loyalty, have left an indelible mark on Japan

In the same way, as in Western countries, dogs were bred for hunting purposes, and hunting dogs were especially valued. Large dogs, along with hawks, can be seen during the hunt in seventeenth-century paintings showing life in and around Edo. In 1612, the first shogun Ieyasu even asked his vassals for 670 big hunting dogs and 5,000 to 6,000 archers for a planned deer hunt.

The Dutch understood the importance of hunting dogs and tried to gain the favor of shogun by bringing them into Japan. There is a general agreement that the big hunting dogs referenced in Japanese documents from the Edo period were a type of greyhound that was brought over from Europe.

Cats

Unlike dogs, cats were valued for their elegance and mysterious traits. In Japanese mythology, cats are commonly depicted as symbols of luck, guardians against malevolent forces, and preservers of holy areas.

This same view was brought into daily life, as cats were embraced in households and establishments for their association with luck and wealth as talismans.

In Japan, it's common to see cats leisurely strolling through city back alleys or relaxing under the open sky

In short, men preferred dogs for their faithfulness, while women preferred cats for their elegant behavior. While different, dogs and cats were valued for their unique contributions to everyday living. Furthermore, cultural and religious beliefs affected the status of dogs and cats. Confucianism, Bushido, and Buddhism had a significant impact on the way dogs and cats were perceived.

In traditional Japanese culture, dogs symbolize loyalty

Monuments and Temples Connected To Domestic Pets Around Japan.

During the Edo period Japan many monuments and temples were dedicated to dogs and cats. Dogs were respected with dedicated shrines because of their connection to Inari, the Shinto god connected to rice. Additionally, cats have been associated with various Shinto and Buddhist gods, like the welcoming cat Maneki-neko.

Japan boasts several temples and monuments linked to dogs and cats. Be sure to visit them on your next trip!

The Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is famous for its connection to the Maneki-neko, also known as the beckoning cat. As per an ancient story, a poor temple priest's cat gestured with its paw for people to enter, prompting a samurai to take shelter from a storm at the temple. Grateful for the advice of the cat, the samurai later made generous donations to the temple. Currently, Gotokuji Temple contains many statues of Maneki-neko.

Tashirojima Island, also called "Cat Island," in Miyagi Prefecture,  draws cat lovers from all over the world because of its numerous cat inhabitants and attractions related to them.

Numerous cats inhabit many scenic spots in Japan, adding extra charm

The Cat Hall, also known as Nyanko-do, is an important area within the Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. Constructed in the Edo period, the building is specifically devoted to cats. On the contrary, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka includes a shrine called 'Inu Jinja', where dogs are honored as protectors, dating back to the Edo era.

The Taito-ji Temple in Tokyo's Yanaka Cemetery houses a statue of Bakeneko, a mythical cat creature, serving as a guardian for the temple.

The statue of Hachiko, located in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, pays tribute to the famous Akita dog Hachiko.

The legendary loyalty of Hachiko to his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, has become a part of Japanese folklore. Despite Professor Ueno's passing, Hachiko remained faithfully waiting at Shibuya Station for his return every day.

The Hachiko statue was installed outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo in 1934 and has since become a popular tourist destination.

The story of the dog Hachiko gained worldwide fame, particularly after the 2009 movie of the same name, starring Richard Gere

These landmarks act as unmistakable evidence of respect for pets in Japanese society. In the Edo period, people formed deep bonds with their pets, especially dogs and cats, and displayed their love for them through the construction of monuments.

The History of Animal Welfare in Japan: The Story of "Dog Shogun," Tokugawa Tsunayoshi

Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, known as the Dog Shogun, governed Japan for nearly 30 years from 1680 to 1709, and is renowned for his policies regarding the well-being of animals. More precisely, his policies were focused on protecting dogs. Tsunayoshi Tokugawa implemented the 'Edicts on Compassion for Living Things' to safeguard animals, particularly dogs, from mistreatment and neglect. These law aimed to encourage empathy and benevolence across Japan.

Taking cues from Buddhism, his rule saw a strong commitment to protecting animals from harm. Establishing harsh consequences for any kind of animal mistreatment, disregard, and brutality. These rules would be inclusive of all animals, not limited to dogs, and include processes for reporting, examining, and punishing offenders.

Stringent regulations were established to protect dogs and other animals from harm or mistreatment, leading to harsh penalties for those who break the rules. This differed from the typical belief that dogs should be primarily utilized for labor or hunting and should get rid of them if they weren't more useful.

Tsunayoshi Tokugawa earned the nickname 'Dog Shogun' due to his extensive animal protection laws

 

Tsunayoshi went as far as setting up dog hospitals to care for injured or ill dogs. In 1686, a new law was passed to protect dogs, making it a crime to harm stating: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Tsunayoshi ordered construction of bridges and roads in Edo Japan with small curbs to protect dogs from being run over by heavily loaded wheel carts, as they traveled alongside humans on the busy streets.

Tsuyanoshi's care for the welfare of animals went beyond just dogs; he gave orders to prioritize the well-being of horses as well. Not long after being appointed shogun, Tsunayoshi commanded the end of the tradition of severing horses' tendons to increase their stamina in the stables. Individuals were subject to fines under the new regulations if they overloaded horses with too much cargo.

Nevertheless, his policies received criticism from some of his peers. They thought his emphasis on animal welfare was either too much or misdirected. This was particularly remarkable considering the socio-political obstacles of humans during that time. Some individuals came to the conclusion that animals were prioritized even over human welfare.

In general, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's animal welfare actions, particularly his focus on safeguarding dogs, represented a notable shift from conventional beliefs about animals as tools.

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