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Japan Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Japan Times
A Hokkaido cross that's more sweet than spicy
Unlike the highly spiced curry that is his namesake, Vindaloo is more on the sweet side. When he was 2 years old, he and a number of other dogs were rescued from the grounds of a temple in Gifu Prefecture. They all went from a life roaming the mountains to living in a shelter. Born in March 2014, Vindaloo is a Hokkaido cross and, characteristic of his breed, he appears to be smiling all the time. He can be quite timid and still gets scared by loud noises, despite being a big, fluffy boy weighing in at 16 kilograms. Even though he weighs 16 kilograms, Vindaloo still gets scared by loud noises. | Kana Matsutani Vindaloo adores his dog friends from the temple. He doesn't warm up to other dogs that easily, but is always courteous to them. He delights in his walks and absolutely loves the snow. We're hoping someone will appreciate this handsome fellow for all that he is. If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web:


Japan Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
A quirky cat with a larger-than-life personality
Though he's only about 8 months old, Piccolo is no longer the tiny kitten he was when he was brought to ARK and earned his name. He has grown into a cat with a long and sturdy body, but remains a very cute fellow all the same. Bursting with vitality, Piccolo is a force to be reckoned with. He throws himself into life with enthusiasm and exuberance. Whether he's eating, playing, curling up with his foster folks or racing around the apartment, he's a high-energy cat, to say the least. And at times, he gets so carried away that he might even nip on your fingers and toes. Piccolo's quirkiness has endeared him to everyone he meets. 'There's something incredibly comical about this cat that I can't put my finger on,' says one ARK veteran. | Kimiko Ishihara 'There's something incredibly comical about this cat that I can't put my finger on,' says one ARK veteran who has gotten to know thousands of animals over the years. 'Piccolo looks cool, calm and collected, but falls off tables or suddenly races around. He's actually rather awesome, if you ask me.' High praise indeed for this fabulous fellow. If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web:


Japan Times
10-04-2025
- General
- Japan Times
This Kai ken's a perfect 10
New to ARK, Charlotte is what you'd call a looker. Not only is she easy on the eyes but she has a personality that endears her to the humans around her. Like the recently featured Basilio, she is a Kai ken rescued from the same breeder and hoarder in Gunma. The Kai ken is a native Japanese breed traditionally used for hunting wild boar, which means Charlotte, too, was most likely going to be used for breeding or subjected to an arguably cruel training regiment. Like most newcomers to the shelter, she was somewhat shy at first — but unlike the others, she settled in quickly. Now Charlotte's tail is perpetually wagging and her bouncy demeanor quickly wins over staff and volunteers. At 3 years old and just over 13 kilograms, Charlotte is energetic yet gentle, with a tail that's constantly wagging. | Kana Matsutani She's still a bit flighty at times, but the charming Charlotte is no charlatan. She's the real deal: an irresistible playmate, stunning to look at, energetic yet also gentle. Only 3 years old and just over 13 kilograms, we added it all up and figured out that she's a perfect 10! If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web:


Japan Times
04-04-2025
- General
- Japan Times
Meet the cool cat with a roguish mustache
Like the wine he is named after, Amarone has a distinct character: rich and complex, one that sets him apart from other cats. This dapper fellow with a somewhat roguish mustache was taken in from the streets. At 5 years old, Amarone has warmed significantly to the humans in his strange new surroundings. He no longer remains hidden round the clock, but has decided to give people a chance — especially when they come bearing gifts of food. Treats are a choice tidbit as well. They allow him to forget all his fears and memories of the dangers he managed to avoid alone on the streets. Five-year-old Amarone has a distinct appearance and unique personality. | Moe Kojima Amarone is a cordial cat that is respectful of others. We think he would likely prove an amiable companion to a lonely cat in someone else's home. Look into his eyes and you'll see caution, wariness, intelligence, savvy — and, of course, curiosity. If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web:


Japan Times
31-03-2025
- General
- Japan Times
A tawny Kai Ken discovers his courage
Basilio, boasting a beautiful brindle coat, was rescued from a hoarder's home in Gunma and came to ARK through the animal welfare network. His gorgeous dappled coat is a sure sign that he is in large part a Kai Ken, one of the six native Japanese breeds. These dogs were traditionally used for hunting wild boar, and some still play this role. The ardors of such training were most likely what lay ahead for the young Basilio. He's still quite fearful of strangers. He'll bark at first, but with time he'll warm to you and never want to leave your side. Still fearful of people at first encounter, Basilio has learned to relax by spending time at the dog run. | Kana Matsutani Basilio currently shares a pen with his best friend. They're inseparable, and watching them play together in the dog run is a joy. Their friendship has helped them both believe there are kind people in this world. A little patience will go a long way with this fellow, who's brimming with courage and standing on the edge of a brave new world. If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at Tokyoark@ or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: