Dogs occupy a strange place in Japanese culture. Although the cat is clearly revered and idolized and fetishized, dogs stand somewhere between fringe fashion model and neglected arm candy. Think I'm kidding? We have seen dogs in wagons, strollers, backpacks, and cradled like a baby while a toddler stands weeping on the sidewalk. Dogs in strollers are often swaddled in blankets and at least one had a stuffy to keep it company. I've been unable to document the mind blowing range of dog accoutrements because some Japanese appear to consider it bad form to take pictures of their dogs. Oddly, they do not seem mollified when I point out that my blog could be their dog's big break. After all, not every blog has 13 followers.
Here are my impressions of the Japanese canine fashion scene.
The aging rocker look. Spandex pants along with a bomber jacket.
The disgruntled trucker look. Totally willing to blockade a highway for a noble cause. Or a treat.
This is a good example of downward dog social comparison. This pooch is totally aware of how ridiculous they look and really unable to do anything about it.
The well-dressed chap in black was not sure how to handle an elephant puppet dressed like a monstrous clown. At one point, the man wielding the puppet spun it around and lifted its tail suggestively. The chap in black took it upon himself to have a few sniffs but was clearly befuddled and possibly frightened by the absence of any scent. When the dog backed away, the sociopathic puppeteer limped the elephant after him with the lumbering intensity of a zombie. Fun times at the market!
