I meet dogs, not eat dogs.

Some of my besties are serious dog lovers, and I can’t deny my own penchant for droolin’ over certain canine acquaintances, so a few questions arose before I left about the possibility of puppies landing on my plate abroad. Now, ideally no mystery meat will ever be placed before me; however, with a thick language barrier there are no guarantees…especially when others may be ordering for the group at school events. Thus, I came to an agreement with a friend that when faced with any unidentifiable substance prepared for my consumption, I would point to the dish and ask,

“Inu des ka?” (Is that dog?)

Just in case.

What I have learned here in my brief experience and with a little research is that people (certainly not everyone, of course; I speak of the availability of these meats) may eat whale and dolphin, but do not eat dog. (In Vietnam, however, dog consumption is popular, but whale is deemed unacceptable, and in Korea, eating whale and dog—especially dog—is widespread.) Much more on this later.

On a lighter note…if anything, I will assert that if a culture’s affection for dogs could possibly be measured by the sheer array of pet clothing and accessorizing options available, Japan would take the cake. I have seen pups in Levi’s, bejeweled jackets, soccer jerseys, and the list goes on.

Modest attire for a Japanese dog.Jean shorts! That's what I mean.

Stuffed in a bag on the Shinkansen.

A whole herd in Shimizu!

Behind the counter of a Chinese restaurant in Fukuoka, watching figure skating on a small television. Chinatown, Yokohama.Keg duty, also in Chinatown, Yokohama.