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If you thought you’d have to travel to the African continent to rub ankles with a meerkat, you’ll be happy to know that they’re closer than you think. Just take a stroll down the Ginza boulevard on any given weekend and chances are you’ll run into three friendly meerkats soaking up the sun on the side of the street.

The meerkats have apparently been coming out to play for several years now, making their first appearance on the streets when they were just babies. We bumped into them last weekend so decided to take a few snaps for you at home!

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The meerkats are happy to sit on their hind legs, lapping up attention from the growing crowd of onlookers. Quite why just one of them is dressed up, we’re not sure, but it doesn’t seem to mind too much!

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They’re not alone though – they spend their time in the sun under the careful supervision of their owner, who sits near them on the side of the street, calming them with cuddles when they need a break from all the attention.

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These two are the best of pals. Either that or the clothed meerkat was trying to cover up his naked friend for the cameras.

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Although, surprisingly, the one on the left was unleashed and free to run amok, the babysitting instincts of the older meerkat kept everything under control.

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The cheekier one of the three happily interacted with members of the crowd as they came in to take photos.

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And then took his overalls off to pose for the cameras. Like a boss.

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While we certainly don’t recommend owning exotic animals or taking them out in public spaces unleashed and dressed in cute pet clothes, it seems that pet owners in Japan are becoming a special breed of their own.

▼ Awwww.

ginzameer

Photos: RocketNews24