Giant tortoise turns heads while strolling down Tokyo street
Hisao Mitani and his giant African tortoise have become an internet sensation while walking the streets of downtown Tokyo.
The 62-year-old funeral parlour owner and his unusual pet, Bon-chan, have been taking daily walks for a number of years now but have only recently gained an international following after still photos of the pair went viral.
Mitani's wife gave him the pre-historic looking animal about 20 years ago.
But, it looks like Bon-chan's new found fame might be going to his head, Mitani says: "He's becoming a little selfish so he tries to go on different walk paths than the usual one and he tries to develop new paths, so that's a little bothersome."
Mitani believes having Bon-chan in his funeral parlour is of some comfort to those making use of his services.
He says: "When families who are sad come to our store and see Bon-chan, they have a moment when they smile and I think that's nice.
It looks like Mitani and Bon-chan will have plenty more years to enjoy their walks together as some African tortoises can live for as long as 150 years!
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