Man walks his 26-year-old turtle on the streets of Tokyo sharing a bond that defies time

Pets bring a wonderful sense of joy and enrichment to any family. Renowned for their companionship, they offer numerous other advantages as well. The range of potential pets is virtually limitless. Beyond the traditional choices of affectionate dogs and elegant cats, households encompass a diverse array of animals, from snakes and cattle to various bird species. Even humble creatures like fish and turtles hold their own special place on the list of adorable companions. Yet, amid this wide spectrum, there's a particular pet that stands out as a truly magnificent addition—one that is bound to captivate your heart.

Bon-Chan is a 26-year-old turtle that has been jolly well roaming around the streets of Tsukishima, Tokyo, per My Modern Met. His master, Hisao Mitani takes great pride in him and is quite popular with his big guy in the country and the world.

Mitani met this beauty when he was just the size of his palm. Nurturing and caring for the reptile, he realized that he was going through a growth spurt at the age of 10. Weighing around 155 pounds, Bon-Chan is accompanied by Mitani for a stroll every day through regular paths. Mitani also mentioned that his reptile knows the routes well. He added, “We walk the neighborhood and are pretty famous around here. African tortoises can live up to 150 years old, so Bon-chan is still in the prime of his life with energy to spare.”

The 26-year-old has stolen the hearts of many on the streets of Tsukishima and worldwide. He is often spotted adorned with adorably designed apparel such as tiny hats, scarves and so on. Bon-chan and Mitani’s example shed light on the beautifully unique relationship between pets and their owners. Surely, the reptile is more than just a pet to Mitani. Having been with him for so many years, he has become an intricate part of Mitani’s life, per Newsweek.

When asked about the bond they share, Mitani gave a pleasant and humorous reply, “I never had any children, but 19 years ago my wife caught the eyes of this little tortoise and felt an instant bond with him. I couldn't leave the store without it. But we had no idea he would become this big. He knows all my dirty secrets – if he could talk I would be in trouble."

Many users posted about the duo on Twitter. Moreover, comments about owning pets, turtles and Bon-Chan were flooding in. @Mr.Architect said, “Talk about friendship, consciousness and intelligence.” describing Bon-Chan. @Madalene_Rey1 said, “Wow, what an incredible bond between Hisao Mitani and his pet tortoise! It must be such a unique experience to stroll around Tokyo's neighborhoods together.” Bon-Chan is indeed a unique gift to Mitani. Pets are our comfort and their presence and company alone do more than we know. Mitani has been putting in great effort to bond with his turtle and care for him. It’s not easy but it is worth it!