Dogs & Culture columns
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Well-sourced reading for everyday life with dogs, across seven themes: outings, rules and preparedness, body and behavior, seasons, food and care, training, and dogs in culture.
Dogs & CultureIs "A Dog That Walks Bumps into a Stick" Bad Luck or Good? Japanese Dog Sayings
The Japanese proverb "a dog that walks bumps into a stick" has been read in two opposite ways: running into bad luck and running into good luck. From iroha cards to "like dog and monkey," plant names along walking paths and the dog name "Pochi," we trace the origins of dog words through published sources.6 min read
Dogs & CultureWhy Is Japan's Dog Day on November 1? Who Chose It, and How It Differs from Animal Welfare Week
Japan's Dog Day falls on November 1 because "wan," a dog's bark in Japanese, sounds like "one." Using the history of the Japan Pet Food Association, which chose the day, along with national and local government sources, we trace how Dog Day began and how it differs from Animal Welfare Week, which is set by law.5 min read
Dogs & CultureShiba Inu History: Natural Monument Status and Three Name Theories
The Shiba Inu was designated a national natural monument of Japan on December 16, 1936, described as a small dog, often red. We trace its place among Japan's native breeds, theories about its name and its postwar recovery.6 min read
Dogs & CultureDog-Friendly Dining Rules: The US, UK, Hong Kong and Japan
Is it true that dogs can go into restaurants abroad? Using official and expert sources, we trace the rules in the United States, the United Kingdom (England and Wales), Hong Kong and Japan, and sum up what they share, how they differ and what to check in Japan.5 min read