Over the years, I’ve pretty much come to expect every Japanese zoo will be a Zoo of Only Cute Animals, and that the aquarium is where people gaze at the exotic species of fish and debate whether they’d be better grilled or steamed, but until I rode the city bus in Beppu and saw these ads for a local animal park, I never guessed that an “African safari” might feature capybaras (which are from that other southern hemisphere continent that is only roughly the same shape as Africa)…
and kangaroos (last time I checked, Australia is also not in Africa)…
and the most exotic animal of all, that fierce apex predator, the African Longhaired Dachshund.
I wonder why they didn’t think the lions would be the biggest draw?
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Wouldn’t you rather be in Japan right now?
“The Samurai’s Octopus is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page…an enchanting, fascinating journey. You’re in for a treat.”
—James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
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