The Akita Prefectural Agricultural Science Museum in Otomo, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, implemented a unique bear prevention measure. Dogs within the city have been appointed as a “Patrol Team.” The leader of this team is Kotaro, a two-year-old male Akita dog with long white fur. His owners, Kazuyuki Nishimura (45) and his wife Makoto (50) take him on daily walks that double as patrols, all while sharing the charm of Akita dogs with others.
The Patrol Team was formed in June this year at the museum’s request. It consists of 11 dogs, including Akitas and Beagles. Their main activity is patrolling the area around the museum during walks, signaling to bears that “this is an area for human activity.” Occasional events also bring the team together for group walks and visitor interactions.
During an interview in early October, colorful dahlias and roses bloomed in the flower beds outside the museum. Kotaro’s white coat was especially striking, contrasted with the flowers behind him. The surrounding area, rich in greenery, offers an excellent walking course. The Nishimura couple has brought Kotaro there every morning and evening since he was two months old.
Kazuyuki jokingly remarked, “Kotaro is part of the ‘All Japan Akita Dog Strike Association.’” On this day, Kotaro started walking, his long white fur swaying in the wind, only to stop and beg for treats moments later. Reluctantly giving him one, Makoto encouraged, “If you eat one, you have to walk 300 meters.”
After the walk, Kotaro enthusiastically greeted a female museum staff member he’s fond of, wagging his tail and standing on his hind legs. She smiled as he licked her face, admitting, “Kotaro is my favorite dog.”
About two years ago, Kazuyuki was inspired by an acquaintance who had started raising an Akita dog and decided to contact a kennel to bring Kotaro into their lives. Makoto initially opposed the idea, worried about their ability to care for a pet and about losing their freedom.
For the first four months after Kotaro became part of the family, Makoto described her experience as “a series of hopeless days.” Returning home during her lunch break, she would find Kotaro’s cage in chaos. Cleaning and caring for him left her no time to eat in peace. On one occasion, Kotaro escaped from his cage, gulped down sugar-dusted donuts from the kitchen, and shocked the entire family.
Makoto now says, “I have no regrets about raising him.” On days off, they take Kotaro along for their hobby of trail running. Over time, building memories together transformed her feelings into a deep love for Kotaro. “Whatever he does, he’s adorable. I absolutely love him,” she said.
Their deep affection for Kotaro has become a source of motivation for the couple to take on new challenges. Long-haired Akita dogs don’t meet the “Akita Dog Standards” set by the Akita Dog Preservation Society, which are a set of guidelines that define the ideal physical and behavioral characteristics of an Akita dog, leading many owners of such dogs not to join. However, Makoto, a proud member of the society’s Southern Branch, confidently stated, “Even long-haired Akitas are Akita dogs. There’s nothing to worry about.” In October, she co-hosted a photo exhibition and patrol event with the museum to showcase the charm of Akita dogs to visitors.
In April this year, they created an Instagram account called the “Kotaro Shop.” This account serves as a platform for the couple to share their love for Akita dogs and promote their local community. Through direct messages, they sell rice grown by Kazuyuki’s parents and handmade dog leashes, made by Kazuyuki, which are made with care and attention to detail. This fall, they also began producing iburigakko (smoked daikon radish), a local delicacy.
Makoto reflected, “Sometimes I wonder, ‘How many more years can we spend with Kotaro?’ Life is limited, so we must do everything we want to do.” The couple has also developed interests in disaster preparedness through camping and animal rescue activities.
The Nishimura’s are determined to cherish every day with Kotaro, living a life without regrets.
