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An unusual 'Pig Cafe' featuring micro pigs bred in Japan is gaining popularity. On the 30th (local time), the AP news agency highlighted the recent pig cafe craze in Japan with an article titled "People spending time with micro pigs at trendy Japanese cafes."

The pig cafe's representative example is the 'Mipig Cafe,' which first opened in Japan. These pigs, called Mipigs or micro pigs, are a bred variety that remains smaller than a Welsh Corgi dog even when fully grown. Baby pigs are about the size of a toy poodle.

Micro pig bred in Japan.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Visitors can experience direct interaction with micro pigs at these cafes. The micro pig breed was developed in the UK. Although their typical weight ranges from 18 to 40 kg, this cafe handles pigs around 20 kg, smaller than the average micro pig. Currently, Mipig Cafes have expanded to 10 locations nationwide in Japan, including Tokyo's Meguro and Harajuku branches.

Thanks to their popularity, two more locations are scheduled to open by the end of this year. Reservations are required, and the usage fee is about 1,870 yen for 30 minutes (including a basic admission fee of 770 yen), which is roughly 17,000 Korean won?a considerable amount but still attracting many visitors. Besides Mipig Cafe, other pig cafe brands like 'Pignic Cafe' have also emerged, making pig cafes a thriving business overall.

Currently, Mifig Cafe has expanded to 10 locations nationwide in Japan, including the Meguro and Harajuku branches in Tokyo. Thanks to its popularity, two more locations are scheduled to open by the end of this year.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Above all, the pigs at these cafes are well-managed, so they do not emit strong odors and are trained to use the restroom independently. Due to their tendency to get lonely easily, they often climb onto people's laps and can perform tricks such as sitting or spinning after training. A pig cafe official explained, "The pigs occasionally sniff, but they are surprisingly quiet. They are also very clean and do not smell much. We call them 'Buta (ぶた, meaning pig in Japanese) Lords' to respect the unique personalities of each pig."

The cafes have also become must-visit spots for foreign tourists traveling to Japan. One foreign tourist said, "When I visit Japan, I go to famous tourist spots, but I always make sure to visit this pig cafe." Another tourist commented, "It was really cute to see several pigs fighting over people's laps." The cafe also offers micro pigs for adoption at 200,000 yen (about 1.8 million Korean won). These pigs are already potty-trained and accustomed to being around people, making them popular pets. So far, about 1,300 pigs have been adopted as companion animals.