Previously, the prevailing view was that Japan did not need to change to animal welfare-oriented rearing management methods due to the country's hot and humid climate and limited land. However, the announcement of new animal welfare guidelines by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in July 2022 indicates the need for Japan to adapt to international trends while respecting past trends.
In order to consider future developments, it is important to understand the historical background. Therefore, in this lecture, we will explain in detail what animal welfare is, from the origins of the animal welfare concept, EU legislation, international trends, responses of various countries, and the differences between animal welfare and animal protection, which is our country's approach to animals.