Japan isn't unique in that you can run into wild (or domesticated wild) animals no matter where you go. I wouldn't be so silly to suggest that. You'd probably believe me as much as you believe some bloke telling Japan is the only country with four seasons, or Japan is the country that invented noodles.
But it doesn't mean I haven't seen some rather... interesting and unusual animals out here.
Once in my neighborhood, there was a dude that was casually just "walking" his pet hawk. He came into the park we were at and the hawk was sort of just... hopping next to his owner and flew around the park.
At Osaka Castle Park, there's often a man by the entrance who would be with his shiba in and sort of pose him like he was Hachiko. It's the strangest thing.
You also often see these owls there too:
It's not unusual for people to showcase their birds in a park or a big space. I've never spoken to these people, but in this case, I feel like there's more than one owner and maybe they're having some sort of "I own an owl and love owls" meet up. (whether you think it's ethical is up to you)
Recently, I saw a couple with their three chatty parrots in Kurashiki.
They caused quite a scene with their sassy screeching. Later on in the day, I saw the couple walk away from where I first saw them. Presumably back home. Still chatty as ever.
Kurashiki seem to just really like their birds, because there is a pair of swans that "live" in the canal:
There's a corner with a bunch of all minnows, and another corner with a little docking hut. I assume this is why they stick around.
Really beautiful birds.
This next animal isn't unusual, but I can't say I've seen them often in Japan.
Horses.
In Canada, it wouldn't be rare at all. Driving outside of the city into farming areas, you would absolutely see a few horses and cows on your way. In Japan too, you might chance encounter some on your drive too of course, but I think this is my first time coming across some horses in the care of a shrine.
In Kotohira Hot Spring, if you do decide to climb up top to the rather infamous shrine that everyone who stops by goes to, there are these horses that are kept here. A bit of a surprise for me.
The other time I remember seeing horses was in the plateaus of Mt.Aso. Absolutely spectacular place. I can't think of a better place to keep a farm, honestly.
One of my favourite animals are cats. In my neighbourhood, there's a few strays that wander and you can tell that some specific houses are feeding them and making makeshift housing for them in their yards. I feel bad for them but I also don't have a home for them, so I'm glad there are people who are trying to do good by them.
In my travels, it's not unusual to run into cats either.
I ran into this lovely white cat on top of an observation point in Kagawa. She was unusually friendly with everyone who squatted down close to her. I assume she's looking for food. But it was just so friendly and beautiful - quite rare even for strays in Japan as they often are weary of strangers. I really wished I was able to take her home. T__T
Onto another encounter recently...
There was a shrine I walked by in Kochi and I saw this...
Why are there CHICKENS at a shrine roaming freely??
I have no idea. Your guess is as good as mine... but if you're ever around Kochi City in Hirome Ichiba (the food market), it's actually around the corner from it. Next to the parking garage.
I hope they're not for eating......