TL;DR
Japanese people enjoy cute animals–and so does the rest of the world
Whom am I speaking to? Who is this going to help?
The person curious my social trends.
My Practical Experience
From my personal experience with Japanese people, I’ve found that they have a certain affinity towards small domesticated animals.
What do I mean by this?
Three Japanese people I know have had some sort of media/tech related to domesticated animals.
- Patrick Shyu (the “Tech Lead” on social media) made lots of money from creating a social media app called “pets”
- Caroline C. (personal friend) has an instagram dedicated to showing off the personality of her dog
- Yuki M. (personal friend) also had an instagram dedicated to showing off her dog
Obviously, I want to emphasize that I don’t make any generalizations nor ascribe stereotypes; I’m greatly interested in why I see the trend I see from my personal life.
According to ChatGPT, the following explains this phenomenon:
- Kawaii Culture: The concept of “kawaii” (cuteness) is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Many people in Japan have a strong appreciation for cute and adorable things, and pets naturally fit into this category. Creating social media accounts for pets allows owners to showcase their pets’ cute and endearing moments, which resonates with the kawaii culture.
- Urban Lifestyle: Many Japanese people live in urban areas with limited space for pets like dogs or cats. This can lead to a stronger emotional connection with their pets, as they often spend more time indoors with them. Sharing their pets’ experiences on social media becomes a way to celebrate and connect with them
- Digital Expression: Japan has been at the forefront of digital technology adoption for decades. People there tend to adopt new forms of online communication and social media platforms more readily than in some other cultures. Creating social media accounts for pets is an extension of this digital expression, allowing pet owners to share and communicate with others in a visually appealing and accessible way.
- Privacy and Identity: Japanese culture places high value on privacy and maintaining social harmony. Creating social media accounts for pets offers an outlet for self-expression and creativity without necessarily revealing too much personal information about the owner. This balance between sharing and maintaining privacy can be appealing to many individuals.
- Escape and Entertainment: Social media, including pet accounts, can serve as a form of escapism and entertainment. Especially in a society with demanding work schedules and social pressures, pet-related content offers a lighthearted and enjoyable distraction
- Community and Connection: Sharing content related to pets can foster a sense of community and connection among pet owners who share similar interests. This sense of belonging and interaction can be fulfilling, especially for those who may feel isolated in their daily lives.
- Marketing and Business Opportunities: Some pet owners leverage the popularity of their pet’s social media accounts to collaborate with brands, promote products, and even generate income through endorsements and partnerships.
How does this opinion explain how the world really works in a way that accurate, wholistic, and realistic?
I think understanding what Japanese culture appreciates can help you better relate to them if you seek a friendship with someone from Japan
Given your thoughts and opinions, what practical actions can we take?
Share some cute pictures of your pet to a Japanese friend to start a conversation!