No, Japan prohibits private raccoon ownership under the Invasive Alien Species Act (IAS Act) and Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law. Exceptions exist only for licensed zoos, research institutions, or government-approved wildlife handlers, with 2026 amendments tightening permit requirements for “specified alien species.”
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Japan
- Invasive Alien Species Act (IAS Act): Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are designated as “specified alien species,” requiring permits for possession. Unauthorized breeding or release triggers penalties up to ¥10 million or imprisonment.
- Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law: Classifies raccoons as “harmful wildlife,” restricting private ownership. Local governments (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Government) enforce additional municipal ordinances banning exotic pets.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministry of the Environment’s revised IAS Act expands prohibited species lists and mandates microchipping for licensed holders. Non-compliance risks confiscation under the 2024 Animal Welfare Act amendments.
Local prefectural governments (e.g., Hokkaido, where raccoons are invasive) impose stricter controls, including mandatory sterilization for permitted animals. Import permits from the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) are required for inter-prefectural transfers, with veterinary inspections enforcing rabies-free status. Violations are prosecuted under the Penal Code’s environmental crimes provisions.