Legend of Akita Inu starts five centuries ago in ancient Japan. Katashi, Japanese equivalent of a Baron, lost Emperor's respect and was dishonored and exiled to a small island with his entire family. Sitting in his home he was trying to think of a way to regain the trust of Emperor and reclaim his status.

By coincidence, island he was exiled to was overrun with Yezo bears, terrifying half-a-ton beasts that were attacking kids and kept villagers in their wooden homes.

Katashi came up with the idea of creating new, stronger dog breed to help him fight against those furry giants and kill all to the last. He started crossing two types of mountain wolves and an ancestor of a mastiff to create new super-breed. New dog was big, strong and resembled a small bear. He domesticated him, taught him to stay silent and keep the prey in place 'till his master comes. Soon after, yezo bears were eradicated and the forest was safe again.

Along with news about his achievement, he sent dozen of these dogs to Emperor as a gift. The Emperor was so fascinated by these dogs, he immediately gave Katashi his land and position back. He also gave orders that each of his Samurai warriors must have akita inu by his side. In the following centuries only Emperor's Samurai were allowed to have this dog and he became integral part of Samurai culture and inseparable companion of his master.

Raised in warrior spirit, they were strong, tough, smart and, above all, loyal. Even today there's a belief that inside of every akita lives a samurai spirit.

In the upcoming centuries these extraordinary dogs fought unsparing battle for survival. In the 19th century they were used in dog fights to entertain the masses and crossed with other breeds without thinking about consequences.

During the second world war, with lack of resources and food, akitas became collateral damage. Their meat was considered delicacy and their fur was priceless. Police ordered catching of all dogs except German shepherds that were used in military. Many owners were rather saying goodbyes to their akitas and driving them off to the mountains to save them.

Only 20 or so dogs have survived the war.

Legendary Hachiko

Professor in agriculture department at the Tokyo University have chosen akita inu puppy for a pet one day in 1923. Hachiko, as the professor named him, grew and became very close to his master.

One of the activities they used to do together is they would go to the train station where professor took his commute to work. Each evening, Hachiko would go back to the train platform alone to welcome his master on the way back.

One day in 1925 professor didn't show up and Hachiko went home after a while to find professor's wife in tears. He had a heart attack and died at the University. Even though he was very smart, idea of death was unfamiliar to Hachiko. His loyalty was so great that he continued to go back to the train station each day for the next nine years and nine months to wait for his master, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station. Even when the family moved out to new city, he found the railway and followed it to the Shibuya train station.

Hachiko became attraction among the commuters and locals who treated him with food and snacks and nourished him during his heartbreaking wait. He was present when the bronze statue was unveiled in his honor. Sadly, during the world war, it was destroyed and turned to ammunition. Later in 1948, new monument was built and it is now one of the favorite attractions and meeting spots.

Two movies about Hachiko were recorded - one Japanese in 1987, and the other, more popular, American one, in 2009 with Richard Gere.

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Images 1, 2, 3, References 1, 2, 3

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