Major Japanese Newspaper Spotlights Dog and Cat Meat Ban Legislation in Prime Coverage for the First Time

The long-dormant debate surrounding a ban on dog and cat meat consumption in Japan has finally been brought to light by a mainstream media outlet in the loudest way possible!

The Sankei Shimbun, one of Japan’s five major national daily newspapers, sparked an immediate and widespread social response after publishing an initial report on the proposed "Dog and Cat Meat Consumption Prohibition Law" on its website on July 9, 2026. Readers flooded the editorial office with inquiries, raising two sharp questions: Does Japan really still have restaurants that serve dog meat? They must be shut down immediately! And what forces are actually opposing this legislation?

In response to this strong wave of public concern, The Sankei Shimbun made an unexpected yet impactful decision for its print edition on July 21. It ran the story under the bold headline "Dog and Cat Meat: Is Japan Turning a Blind Eye!?" on the page directly opposite the television listings—the single most prominent and widely read "prime page" in Japanese newspapers. In Japan, physical newspapers remain a primary source of information for the public. Placing this issue on such prime real estate sends a undeniable signal: This problem has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored.

The report explicitly noted that Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) is actively pushing for the "Dog and Cat Meat Consumption Prohibition Law," which would ban the consumption of dogs and cats, as well as their breeding and importation for food. Currently, dining establishments serving dog meat still operate in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The original report used the phrase "Chinese restaurants, etc."—and according to extensive field investigations by the World Dog Alliance (WDA), while these venues are primarily Chinese restaurants, they also include certain Korean and Vietnamese establishments. The word "etc." accurately encompasses these realities.  

The World Dog Alliance has been working on the ground in Japan for over a decade. Throughout these ten years, we have been interviewed by countless media outlets, yet no mainstream newspaper had ever formally published a report on the issue. Why now? Why did The Sankei Shimbun choose this moment to speak out with such unprecedented length and prime placement?

Because the legislation has entered a substantive phase!

The ruling coalition has formally placed the "Dog and Cat Meat Consumption Prohibition Law" on its legislative agenda, with intense preparations underway aiming for passage in the parliamentary session in the second half of this year. Active coordination is also taking place among lawmakers within the ruling coalition. It was precisely at this pivotal moment that The Sankei Shimbun chose to put the issue front and center before the entire nation.  

This breakthrough did not happen by chance. It is the fruit of more than a decade of relentless global advocacy by the World Dog Alliance. We have provided Japanese leaders with extensive documentation—including lists of countries, regions, and cities that have banned dog and cat meat, alongside comprehensive overviews of nations that legally define companion animals. Through these resources and our track record of successful legislation around the world, the seeds of change have steadily taken root.

During a parliamentary session, House of Councillors member Seiichi Kushida of the Japan Innovation Party explicitly pointed out that the current Act on Welfare and Management of Animals contains a clear loophole regarding "killing dogs and cats for consumption," making dedicated legislation essential. He emphasized that Japan must not become a "safe haven for dog and cat meat" in the eyes of the international community.

Ms. Watanabe, representative of the World Dog Alliance's Japan chapter, shared her excitement:

"This is the moment we have waited ten years for! By placing this issue on a page that every reader sees, The Sankei Shimbun is telling all of Japanese society: it is time to face reality. When citizens begin demanding why this hasn't been banned yet, and when mainstream media stops shying away, we know real change is taking place. The World Dog Alliance will continue to go all-in, joining forces with all parties to ensure Japan passes a comprehensive ban on dog and cat meat as soon as possible—so that all companion animals receive the dignity and protection they deserve!"

Ten years of sharpening the blade; today, the sword is finally drawn. The World Dog Alliance will closely track and fully support the upcoming legislative process. We invite our global supporters to join us in witnessing and participating in this hard-won historic change.