TOKYO MAN TAKES HIS GIANT PET TORTOISE OUT FOR WALKS IN TOKYO STREETS

Dog owners know how important it is to walk their puppies regularly. It's not uncommon for people to take their cats for walks these days. But it's not every day that you come across a turtle walking down the street. Hisao Mitani, a Japanese man, has become a household name in Tokyo's Tsukishima, where he can often be seen strolling around town with his African tortoises. Affectionately called "Bon-chan," his 26-year-old turtle usually wears cute clothes such as hats and accessories made by his kind neighbour. Mitani explains that when she first got Bonchan, the reptile was about the size of a palm. But as time went on, the turtle got bigger than expected.

When Bonchan was 10 years old, she experienced rapid growth. Mitani is now estimated to weigh about 155 pounds. She accompanies Bonchan on walks around the city several times weekly to ensure she gets enough exercise. Their usual route may not be far, but it will still take them an hour or two to get home. This is mainly because Bonchan makes many pit stops for the fans.