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REUTERS/Thomas White

Tuesday 28th July, 06:34 AM JST

A child watches as a woman tends to her dogs in Ginza.

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Latest 15 of 79 Total Comments Show All

LIBERTAS at 12:41 AM JST - 29th July

What I'd like to see are leashed dogs watching a child receiving attention on that testimony to vanity and greed, Ginza.
knews at 12:44 AM JST - 29th July

Not a very exciting pic.

Shouldn't the title read, "A man watches his child watching a woman being watched by her chihuahuas as she picks up their doggie doo in Ginza"?
Azrael at 12:47 AM JST - 29th July

I can understand the usefulness of a leash to keep a little child safe, but whenever I see a human on a leash that Abu-Grahib picture of the female soldier with a prisoner on a leash comes instantly to mind. I think the inhumanity of that photo traumatized me to the point that I would rather not put anyone on a leash, let alone my child (if I ever have one).

My mother raised four kids and I was never put on a leash. I was raised in a bustling capital city. I must ask my mother how did she manage.
rei307 at 12:51 AM JST - 29th July

Little kids sometimes don't like to hold hands and this is probably safer for the kid. Of cousre, it looks funny.
rei307 at 12:56 AM JST - 29th July

I always carry water bottle to wash the dog pee on the street. Because when it doesn't rain for days, the street starts to smell (lots of dog lovers on my street).
telecasterplayer at 02:56 AM JST - 29th July

For those crying "child abuse", just looking at the effing picture!

The little guy is able to walk around on his own, strengthening his little legs the way nature intended, and explore his world. But he's unable to get too close to the dogs and stick his fingers out to get nibbled because Otoosan has a firm grip on the lead.
W01fDem0n at 03:40 AM JST - 29th July

Leashes are actually a lot safer than just letting a kid wander around. Yeah, it looks really funny because you have a kid in a halter, on a leash, but at least you know where he is and you can pull him away from any sort of potential danger. It is especially helpful when it comes to large crowds, where you could easily loose your kid, or, even worse, your kid gets taken.
amerijap at 06:10 AM JST - 29th July

Walking the kid on a leash??? Never seen that before. . .
nimbus at 06:22 AM JST - 29th July

If there's no leash on the kid and he runs off onto the road and get hit by a car, you would all be howling for the dad's blood.
blvtzpk at 06:45 AM JST - 29th July

Gotta go with a leash. Anyone with - or who has had - toddlers KNOWS how they can be off in a second - into dangerous situations, traffic etc. The leash/restraint/tether/ harness (whatever...) may not appeal to all, but given the howl-downs that have been seen recently on these pages about Japanese parents NOT supervising their children while on the streets makes some of these comments quite ridiculous. The example seen in the picture is an example of good parenting, seeing the circumstances. Let's also hope he straps his child firmly into a childseat when they're out driving
TokyoJake at 06:55 AM JST - 29th July

The streets are very clean! Subways in Japan are clean as well. It seems that people in Japan go the extra mile to throw their garbage away, and they even have baggies to put their cigarrette butts in. Another reason why Japan amazes me so much!
JoeBigs at 10:56 AM JST - 29th July

TokyoJake at 06:55 AM JST - 29th July The streets are very clean! Subways in Japan are clean as well. It seems that people in Japan go the extra mile to throw their garbage away, and they even have baggies to put their cigarrette butts in. Another reason why Japan amazes me so much!

Well said, compared to the United States Japan is very clean. The people are not rude and when you go shopping you are treated outstanding.

I love the following comments;

LoveUSA at 08:01 AM JST - 28th July It is so humiliating to put your kid on a leash. sad.

Pssst I do not think the Baby knows what humiliating is yet. Love the Psychobabble.

LoveUSA at 09:21 AM JST - 28th July Taka 313, criminals should be only on a leash. Not kids or any normal person. What is next, handcuffs and a whip? Hoewever active the boy is, nobody deserves that.

Trying to make a point at whatever price is not right. Those leashes really do work and they are nothing new. Saw many parents using them in the States and no one was yelling bloody murder.

But when a person from another country uses them, then it is wrong?

LoveUSA at 05:30 PM JST - 28th July The first time I saw a child on a leash was on an international flight and guess what, the mother was Japanese and was walking her kid down the aisle on a leash. All the people on the plane watched in disbelief. So I think it is not so popular, if so many people were shocked.

Where do you live? I have seen those leashes in Charleston SC, NY NY, Miami FL, Jacksonville FL, Chicago IL, Mecca WI and just about every other place that I lived or traveled to in the States. Hell the first time I saw one of those was about 1988. They are not new and they are not just used by the Japanese.

Every where that I went not one person near or next to the parent gave it a second look. Some laughed other thought it was cute. Even heard many mothers asking where they can buy the leash at.

I think that Japanese parents are very good and loving parents overall. They treat most of their kids with respect and kindness.

Compare that to the States and you would be surprised to find that the Japanese kids are treated better than the American kids.

Here is a site for you to look at,

http://www.safeandsecurebaby.com/Harness-frasl-Leashes-c-10.html
XXXXX at 05:22 AM JST - 30th July

Ahhh the joys of Ginza's Hokousha Tengoku...
ritalynn at 05:59 AM JST - 30th July

I think some people want to see only the bad in japan. I see a nice afternoon in Ginza, a man walking with his child, he's giving his child space to explore and at the same time, protecting him from harm. I see a woman out on an afternoon stroll with her dogs, she's obeying the laws and cleaning up after them. I see people walking down the street, shopping, talking, seeing the sights, have a wonderful time on a nice summer day.

it's sad that a nice scene like that has to be bashed by people who only want to see the negative.
Himajin at 09:30 AM JST - 31st July

My mother sent me one in 1985. They originated in the US.