We all know that Japan has a reputation for being eccentric and out of the ordinary. From their unique stores to their aesthetic food, Japan never fails to amaze people. In 2014, a Shiba Inu was found running a small tobacco shop, and it took over the internet.
Yes! A dog did own a shop. After the viral success of this shop, other dogs became inspired to run their stores too! We’re going to explore what it means for a dog to become a shop owner and how it’s even possible.
Is there a Dog that Owns a Shop?
For a long time, Shiba-San was the one who greeted customers at Suzuki Tobacco Shop. A lot of pictures and videos of Shiba-San were floating around the internet back in 2015. Customers’ made it seem like he was the only employee running the show.
Although we see Shiba-San opening the window to the shop, we know that his only real job was alerting his owners of a customer. Well, that and showing off the shop’s cucumbers. Afterward, he would nap by the window, waiting for the arrival of the next customer.
For How Long Did a Dog Own a Shop?
Suzuki Tobacco was open for three years until it eventually closed in 2015. This inevitably meant that Shiba-San was entering retirement. After becoming a hot tourist destination and creating an online celebrity, Azumy, the shop’s real owner, decided that it was time to rest.
Shiba-San, like all dogs, is the best boy. So we take comfort in knowing that after retirement, he most likely continued lying by a window and chewing on his favorite toy.
Where Can You Find a Dog that Works in a Shop?
Thanks to Azumy and Shiba-San, many others have allowed their dogs to live their dreams as shop owners. One other shop owner who was gaining popularity was another Shiba named Ken-Kun.
Since 2-years-old, Ken-Kun ran a sweet potato stand in Sapporo, Japan. Unfortunately, Ken-Kun passed away earlier this year on June 6th.
Maru is another Shiba Inu in Japan who became the general manager at Shinjuku’s Isetan Department Store. On opening day, the first 100 guests were able to get pictures taken with the famous Instagram pooch.
Since Ken-Kun and Maru, we haven’t seen another doggie shop owner take their shot in the business world, but I’m sure it won’t be long. After all, when we look at the three doggies who succeeded, it’s hard not to find inspiration in that.
How is it possible that a Dog Owns a Shop?
In all honesty, a dog can’t own a shop. Shiba-San, Ken-Kun, and Maru had owners who cared for them. While they were show-stopping dogs, they were nothing more than simply trained to follow a command.
To be fair, though, the idea of a dog running a store is fun. Unfortunately, while it would be cool to see a shop solely run by a dog, I don’t think we’ve mastered the communication skills needed for a shop to remain functional.
What are the Working Hours for a Shop Owned by a Dog?
The working hours for a shop owned by a dog are probably the best working hours you can ask for. Imagine if you worked from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm but got to nap between customers.
You also get customers who come in to praise you and bring you snacks. Sure it might seem like it sucks for a dog to be working all day, but are they working, though?
Shiba-San spent most of his day sleeping by the window. Ken-Kun watched as customers put their money in a box and picked out their potato balls. And Maru spent his whole day taking pictures with fans.
Final Thoughts on Dog that Owns a Shop
So is there a dog that owns a shop? The short answer is not really. People use their dogs to gain more customers, and it works. This became a popular trend in Tokyo after Shiba-San brought in a lot of customers to the Suzuki Tobacco shop.
Working hours for dogs aren’t very stressful for dogs because they get to nap in between customers. When they have customers, they even get treats and praise from them.
Unfortunately, we haven’t seen many dog store owners nowadays, but it can’t be long until another one pops up. These best boys are the cutest doggies around.