The 1983 blockbuster Antarctica was based on the real-life reunion of the sled dogs Taro and Jiro with the Antarctic expedition team a year after they were left behind. But for one viewer, it wasn’t those two famous survivors who left a lasting impression – it was the lead dog, Riki, who sadly perished.
Mr. Etsuo Toyoshima (71) and his wife Etsuko (69) run a construction company in the Sakura area of Akita City. Their love for dogs’ spans over 45 years, starting when Mr. Toyoshima was 24 and got his first Shiba Inu. Since then, the couple has raised an English Cocker Spaniel and two Yorkshire Terriers.
Now, the couple lives with three dogs in their home in Sakuragaoka, Akita City: two female Miniature Schnauzers – Hana (12) with white fur and Mumu (11) with black fur – and, since May 2023, a red fawn male Akita dog named Riki (one-year-old).
“I always wanted a big, sturdy Japanese dog,” Mr. Toyoshima said. He named Riki after the lead dog from “Antarctica Story,” who ran at the front of the sled team and sacrificed himself to show Taro and Jiro where food could be found.
Originally from the former Kyowa Town (now part of Daisen City), Mr. Toyoshima recalled that his family kept a male Akita dog when he was in early elementary school. The dog guarded their chicken coop from weasels and martens. Young Etsuo would strap on skis in winter and have the Akita dog pull him across snowy rice fields, just like a sled. The joy of those childhood memories has never left him.
Though Mr. Toyoshima had always loved Akita dogs, the journey to bringing Riki home wasn’t easy.
For over 10 years, he took Etsuko with him to the Akita Dog Preservation Society’s main exhibition in Odate City, dropping hints like, “Aren’t Akita dogs wonderful?” But each year, she stood firm. She would always remind him, “We’re not getting any younger. A big dog just isn’t practical.”
Eventually, the “battle of wills” over the Akita dog reached its climax. Mr. Toyoshima made a bold move. Through a connection, he was introduced to a female dog trainer working with the Akita-based association “One for Akita,” who connected him with a breeder’s puppy.
One day, he suddenly brought the puppy home, completely shocking Etsuko. Their eldest son Kazuya (44) also scolded him, “Dad, how long do you think you’re going to live, bringing home a dog like this?” Unfazed by the backlash, Mr. Toyoshima laughed it off as a “surprise” and finally fulfilled his long-held dream of becoming an Akita dog owner.
Though Riki was named with hopes that he would grow into a strong, dependable leader, living with his “older sisters,” Hana and Mumu, has made him more of a playful little brother.
Riki is mischievous. He’s chewed open his crate lock, torn up futons, and often gets barked at by Mumu. When the couple takes the Schnauzers out without him, he whimpers and cries, showing his sensitive, needy side. Still, Etsuko smiles fondly and says, “What I love about Riki is that he’s gentle. He doesn’t bark excessively at people or other dogs.”
Their home is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden and terrace, where their dogs have always played. Riki runs freely outside in the morning, noon, and night. He especially loves the snow, joyfully diving headfirst into fresh powder. On weekends, Mr. Toyoshima takes him to local beaches and parks. He reminisced, “It brings back memories of playing with an Akita dog as a kid, and it makes me so happy.”
Riki will turn two on March 25th. Mr. Toyoshima remarked, “I keep thinking, don’t you dare die before me. I want him to stay healthy.”
Etsuko added, gently placing her hand on Riki’s back, “At our age, this will probably be the last dog we raise. I want to treat him like our own child.”
