Tokyo - Overworked or too sick to travel? Some people in Japan find solace in sending their stuffed animals on trips in their place.
Companies, travel agencies and other organisations are being asked to take stuffed animals on trips, cafe outings or to “enjoy” other experiences for people who cannot get away or have health issues. These people seem to derive comfort and encouragement in seeing their favourite stuffed animals active as their proxies.
A 49-year-old female civil servant in Saitama Prefecture has sent two of her stuffed animals on a number of trips since last summer. One is Pako, a stuffed panda that belonged to her late grandmother, and the other is Kaki, a stuffed bear she received from her father when she was a child. She and her husband used to enjoy travelling, but about five years ago it became difficult to get away as her 57-year-old husband’s health deteriorated.
“I feel better when I think that these stuffed animals are taking trips in my place,” the woman said.
The travel agency she uses is Tokyo-based Unagi Travel, which specialises in trips for stuffed animals. Unagi Travel sends her travel photos of Pako and Kaki via a members-only social networking service.
Last autumn, she sent Pako on a tour of Tokyo. Her father and mother, aged 80 and 78, who live on their own, were delighted when she showed them photos of Pako’s travel. Her father learnt how to use a smartphone and started following Pako and Kaki’s travels on his own. Inspired, last month her mother went abroad for the first time.
Unagi Travel representative Sonoe Azuma started the service in 2010. The idea for the company came after she asked an acquaintance to take her own stuffed animals on a trip, and then received a huge response when she documented the travel on her blog.
The cost of sending a stuffed animal on a trip is in the 5 000 yen (R700) range. :Stuffed animals are akin to family,” Azuma said. “Seeing them enjoying travel seems to motivate many to take the first step for themselves.”
Services specialising in travel for stuffed animals are on the rise. In a society in which it is sometimes difficult to form human relationships, stuffed animals appear to be a source of comfort.
Yawarakan’s cafe in Tokyo opened last year to “entertain” stuffed animals. Upon entrusting the cafe with a stuffed animal, the cafe keeps it for three days and sends back photos of it at meals and events.
Last year, the Japan Nuigurumi Association, an NPO based in Yokohama, began offering home-stays for stuffed animals. Members around the country accept an applicant’s stuffed animal and take it to sightseeing spots in their area. -
The Japan News / Yomiuri