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Many Japanese families have pets, just like families in
other countries. It's not always easy for them, because a
lot of people don't have much space in their houses, or else
they live in apartment buildings. Even so, interest in pets
is increasing.
The most popular pets are dogs and cats.
Fish are popular, especially goldfish, carp, and tropical
varieties. Small birds are also popular as pets, especially
canaries, parakeets, and paddybirds (also called Java
sparrows). Other types of pets people keep are turtles,
frogs, hamsters, and mice.
Recently some people have also started
keeping "virtual" pets on their computers or personal
digital assistants (PDAs). For example, there is now a
computer program that lets you have an aquarium with
tropical fish on your monitor. The fish have eggs, and
sometimes they get sick. If you forget to feed them, they
die.
In November 1996 a new type of electronic pet came on the
market in Japan. It's called the
Tamagotchi, and it's a mysterious
little creature from outer space that needs lots of tender
loving care. Small enough to fit into a pocket, it has
become a big hit in Japan, not just with kids but also with
adults, especially young women. The toy sold so fast when it
was introduced that it was hard for the stores to keep it in
stock. About 20 million units have been sold in Japan and
another 20 million outside of Japan.
Photos courtesy of Asahi Shogakusei Shimbun and
Kyodo.
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