News from Japan
Date: Sep 25, 2026, 08:30 (JST)
Society
In a unique nursing home in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, 92-year-old Kaori Kusakari shares her life with her 12-year-old male cat, Purin. The facility, Sakura no Sato Yamashina, allows residents to keep their pets, a rare feature that provides comfort and companionship for the elderly.
Kusakari moved to the nursing home five years ago, and Purin has been a constant source of support. “Purin is always at my bedside,” she stated, expressing the deep bond they share. The facility, which opened in 2012, not only accommodates pets but also ensures they can stay even after their owners pass away.
Currently, the home houses 13 dogs and cats alongside about 40 residents. Some animals were brought in by their owners, while others were rescued through animal welfare initiatives.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Keywords: Jiji Press
