Aug 22 (Japan Times) - As people stay home longer amid the spread of COVID-19 infections, the popularity of pets is increasing, with more people seeking out animals as a buffer against stress.
Kamihata Fish Industries Ltd., an importer and wholesaler of foreign aquarium fish in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, and one of Fuji 3A Project’s suppliers, has posted a large increase in sales since June, after the government lifted a state of emergency.
The government’s ¥100,000 cash handout program also appears to have helped boost demand for pets, with the supply shortage continuing for imported pets such as guppies and hamsters, which are cheap and easy to take care of.
“As people spend more time at home, more people seem to be buying pets to ease loneliness,†says Kazuhiko Ihara, Kamihata Fish Industries’ manager in charge of western regions.
The company imports tropical fish mainly from South America and Southeast Asia, but shipments from the former were almost zero between March and May because of cancellations of international flights.
Imports from Southeast Asia also decreased sharply, and prices of tropical fish are rising, reflecting an increase in freight costs.
With both new demand and supply shortages brought about by the pandemic, those working in the pet industry say it is frustrating that they are missing out on this business opportunity.
Fuji 3A Project, a store in Nagoya that specializes in sales of tropical fish, has been receiving more visitors after magazines and TV programs seized upon tropical fish as a perfect pet to keep people company while staying at home.
“Tropical fish are cute and easy to take care of, and it provides me with comfort every day at home,†said a 26-year-old man who began keeping them in April.
Kamihata Fish Industries Ltd., an importer and wholesaler of foreign aquarium fish in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, and one of Fuji 3A Project’s suppliers, has posted a large increase in sales since June, after the government lifted a state of emergency.
The government’s ¥100,000 cash handout program also appears to have helped boost demand for pets, with the supply shortage continuing for imported pets such as guppies and hamsters, which are cheap and easy to take care of.
“As people spend more time at home, more people seem to be buying pets to ease loneliness,†says Kazuhiko Ihara, Kamihata Fish Industries’ manager in charge of western regions.
The company imports tropical fish mainly from South America and Southeast Asia, but shipments from the former were almost zero between March and May because of cancellations of international flights.
Imports from Southeast Asia also decreased sharply, and prices of tropical fish are rising, reflecting an increase in freight costs.
