A pig farmer in Japan is warming hearts around the world, thanks to a photo collection that documents his life with some 1,200 pigs. Whether he’s tending to the little piglets, sleeping with the sows, or serenading them all with tunes on his guitar, this is a farmer who loves spending time in the pen surrounded by his animals.
The photo collection has been released as a book called “Buta to Otchan“, or “Pigs and Papa”. It’s proven to be so popular that it’s currently sold out on shopping site Amazon.
The photos were taken over a number of years by Yamaji Toshiteru, a former city office employee who self-published the book and then won the 13th Japan Self-Publishing Award, Graphic Prize. Toshiteru captures the magic of Otchan’s slow and peaceful life and shows us the great bond that can develop between a man and his animals.
A lot of Otchan’s time is spent doting on the baby pigs, ensuring they’re healthy and well-fed.
While other times he sits amongst the herd in the sunshine, playing them music or reading them newspapers.
Like any good farmer, Otchan doesn’t mind getting in amongst his animals and the pigs don’t mind him cosying up to them either.
We hope more farmers out there will take a leaf out of Otchan’s book and treat animals with the same type of respect and care that’s shown in these photos. Pigs and Papa is a delightful reminder that with just a little kindness, we can all get along.
Sources: Viral Nova Amazon UK
Japanese farmer creates the world’s first heart-shaped watermelon
Japanese cats love nothing more in the world than watching farmer next door plant his rice【Video】
Tokyo’s newest micro pig petting zoo and cafe doubles as a community outreach center
Cat in the desert becomes latest optical illusion to wow the internet in Japan
Futon-loving Pomeranian shows us how to spend winter Japanese-style【Photos】
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
If you love Pokémon and cats, you’ll love Japan’s cat Pokémon cat toys and feeding dishes[Photos]
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Rock a baby goat to sleep, admission is free: Cute challenge goes viral online 【Videos】
Knitted cat scarves: the latest trend to take the Japanese feline fashion world by storm
Hayao Miyazaki was offended by the idea that he should work in live-action, interview shows
Cute animal bottoms now on display — It’s Shiba Dog Maru’s Puriketsu Contest!
Japanese cat book explains how cats see their human owners, and it’s not as objects of respect
Take a glimpse into the natural habitats of female Japanese otaku 【Photos】
Macho in another world – Japanese muscular man stock photo sites adds isekai category【Photos】
Beautiful anime fantasy mom is now teaching Japanese people how to speak English
Japanese Shiba Inu shows even the dog world’s biggest goofs can have elegant table manners【Video】
What do hamsters dream of? Adorable Japanese pet video shows us one answer【Video】
Cute cat stays cool in Japanese heat by snuggling up inside Dyson fan
The Japanese dog cafe that isn’t technically a dog cafe
Japanese cat owner buys feline futon for his pets, they instantly know exactly how to use it
Japanese artist creates cat banknote alternative: Kittens on 200 yen
How to properly pronounce “Ghibli” and other fun trivia about the legendary animation studio