#Japan #Mercy For Animals #Shibuya #Animal Rights Center #The Hidden Nightmare

The Hidden Nightmare Campaign in Shibuya

In a remarkable effort to raise awareness regarding the plight of caged hens, the global campaign "The Hidden Nightmare" was officially launched by Mercy For Animals in Japan. This initiative aims to shed light on the harsh realities faced by millions of hens, who are predominantly housed in battery cages, which compromises their welfare. In collaboration with the Animal Rights Center (ARC), Mercy For Animals organized a demonstration at Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo's busiest thoroughfares, to engage commuters and tourists alike in understanding the critical issues surrounding hen welfare.

Japan, although a leader in many areas of innovation, has fallen significantly behind other countries in animal welfare standards. A staggering 95% of egg-laying hens in Japan are kept in confinement, unable to move freely in cramped cages. The primary objective of this event was to confront the often-hidden realities of factory farming head-on and convey this crucial message to the public.

A Banners and Animation

During the demonstration day, passersby in Shibuya were shown campaign videos that poignantly illustrated the overpopulation and chronic suffering experienced by hens trapped in small cages. These animations served to communicate the stark realities of their lives, providing viewers a glimpse of the cruelty often overlooked in conventional egg production. This campaign follows the release of Mercy For Animals' short animation "The Hidden Nightmare" back on April 16, which first exposed the unsettling conditions of caged hens in the country.

According to Jasmine Hirose, Global Corporate Relations Coordinator at Mercy For Animals, many bystanders paused to watch the campaign, demonstrating a growing interest among Japanese consumers regarding where their food comes from and how it is treated. "This activity, conducted with ARC, sends an important message to the food industry," Hirose stated. With increasing global attention toward animal welfare regulations, there is a burgeoning demand for enhanced transparency and sustainable practices in Japan's food sector.

Focus on Major Corporations

The Hidden Nightmare campaign particularly emphasizes the necessity for major corporations such as Seven & I Holdings, Lawson, Lotte, Nisshin Seifun Group, Yoshinoya Holdings, and Zensho Holdings to adopt fair and consistent cage-free policies across all operating regions. While companies in North America and Europe are progressing toward cage-free initiatives, many corporations in Asia have yet to implement similar standards.

ARC has also voiced its perspective on this matter, explaining how they continue to inform the public about the realities of caged farming through their "Inside the Cage" campaign. They recognize that awareness of this issue remains limited, making the outreach in a high-footfall area like Shibuya significantly impactful. "We are thrilled to have collaborated with Mercy For Animals on this street campaign, which reflects the heightened international concern for the welfare of hens in Japan. We hope that this initiative will encourage more people to learn about the egg production process and advocate for kinder treatment of animals," remarked the team at ARC.

Supporting Corporate Transitions

In addition, Jasmine Hirose emphasized their role in supporting companies during their transition to cage-free practices. "Currently, we are in discussions with five out of six targeted companies in Japan. However, it is essential not just to have ongoing dialogues but to establish clear commitments about what actions will be taken and by when."

On a global scale, a shift towards more compassionate food systems is steadily progressing. Approximately 2,600 companies have promised to transition to cage-free operations, and Mercy For Animals alongside ARC is actively urging leading businesses in Japan's food industry to adopt animal welfare-conscious initiatives.

Mercy For Animals is an international nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the suffering of farm animals and promoting equitable and diverse food policies. Their mission is to establish a sustainable and compassionate food system for all living beings.

The Animal Rights Center (ARC) is a certified nonprofit organization focused on improving the welfare of farm animals in Japan through dialogue with companies, research, policy advocacy, and public education. Their "Inside the Cage" campaign aims for a future where cage-free practices are the norm in Japan.

For more information, you can view the short animation "The Hidden Nightmare" here.

For interview or coverage inquiries, please contact:
[email protected]

• ---