The most famous Akita ever, Hachiko (Hachi), was joined at the hip with his owner Hidesaburo Ueno. Hachi walked with Ueno every morning to the train station to see him off to work, and waited for him there each day. One day while he was at work, Ueno suffered a brain hemorrhage and died and didn’t come home. Hachi continued to wait that day, the next day, and every day after for nine years until he eventually passed away too. Statues, museums, movies, and people all over the world continue to honor Hachi – the most loyal dog in the world.

We come from Northern Japan from the province of Akita. In the early 17th century, a Japanese emperor banished a nobleman to the most northern part of Japan – the island of Honshu. The man loved dogs and he convinced the barons under him to participate in the breeding of a large hunting dog. That’s where our story begins, but it’s nowhere near where it ends! Years of selective breeding have made us who we are today – strong, willful, and courageous. Our earliest ancestors were used to hunt wild boar, deer, and even bears! At one point in our history, only the imperial class could own us as guard dogs, but now we’re loved by all sorts of humans – and we love them all the same! We’re a huge part of Japanese culture and are seen in many households. It’s tradition in Japan to give an Akita figurine to parents when a baby is born to symbolize a long, happy life. The Japanese also often honor our famous brother, Hachiko, who waited in a train station for his owner for nine years. We thank He