Saint Zoo

Saint Zoo Book Cover

Saint Zoo is a non-fiction book by Japanese author Chihiro Hamano, first published in 2019. It provides an in-depth exploration of zoophilia, a topic that remains highly controversial and taboo, as well as broader reflections on themes of love, power, and violence.

Background

Chihiro Hamano, having endured over a decade of physical and emotional abuse in a romantic relationship, became disillusioned with traditional ideas of love and sexuality. Her personal trauma catalyzed a desire to investigate alternative expressions of intimacy and power. This journey led her into the world of zoophilia, which she explores in Saint Zoo, seeking to understand the complex relationships some individuals form with animals.

Content Overview

The book examines the lives of various individuals involved in zoophilia, whom Hamano meets during her travels from Tokyo to rural parts of Germany. She describes people who consider animals as partners—some in emotional, non-sexual relationships, while others engage in sexual acts. Among these individuals are those who refrain from sexual interactions out of empathy, a group she refers to as "holy zoos." These individuals emphasize equality and emotional connection with their animal companions, rejecting any form of coercion.

Through their stories, Hamano challenges societal norms about love and power, reflecting on her own past trauma in contrast to the relationships she encounters. This juxtaposition allows her to raise philosophical questions about the nature of violence, desire, and autonomy, both in human-human and human-animal relationships.

Themes

Saint Zoo touches on themes such as:

• Violence and Power: Hamano reflects on how power dynamics play out not only in abusive human relationships but also in interspecies interactions.
• Empathy and Consent: The book contrasts coercive relationships with the "holy zoo" community, emphasizing mutual respect and empathy in relationships with animals.
• Taboo and Society: By diving into a stigmatized subculture, Hamano highlights society’s rigid boundaries on acceptable forms of intimacy and the consequences of these taboos.

Reception

Upon its release, Saint Zoo garnered critical attention for its bold and unflinching approach to a sensitive subject. The book was nominated for several prestigious awards in Japan, including the Takeshi Kaiko Nonfiction Prize and the Kodansha Nonfiction Award​

It was praised for its combination of investigative journalism and personal memoir, shedding light on a world few dare to explore.

Publication and Translation

Saint Zoo was first published in Japan in 2019 and later translated into German, with its European release in September 2022. The book has gained international recognition for its provocative content and Hamano's courageous exploration of difficult and often overlooked topics​

References

1. Hamano, Chihiro. Saint Zoo. Shueisha, 2019.
2. 濱野ちひろ Official Website​.
3. "Saint Zoo by Chihiro Hamano." Overdrive, 2022​.