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】
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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