About 500 meters from Chokokuji Temple, home to the nine-meter-tall Kannon statue known as “Akata’s Great Buddha,” sits the home of self-employed Mitsuhiro Ogawa (64), nestled in the rice fields of Akata, Yurihonjo City. Here, a variety of animals live together under one roof.
Among them are an elegant, black-coated Italian Greyhound named Koko (two-year-old, female), a hawk, and a turtle. In the past, the Ogawas also kept Hinai chickens and goats. But the stars of the household are two female Akita dogs: Yuko, an eight-year-old, fawn-coated beauty, and Tsubaki, a five-month-old brindle pup. Mr. and Mrs. Ogawa previously lived in the city center, but in 2012, they built and moved into this home, driven by the dream of raising animals in a more relaxed environment.
Mr. Ogawa has always been drawn to large dogs, impressed by their dignified appearance and confident stride. He had previously raised Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Around 2010, he decided to try raising a Japanese dog for the first time and purchased a female brindle Akita from a breeder in Miyagi Prefecture. Inspired by her striking wild brindle coat they chose the name “Ran” using the on’yomi (Chinese reading) of the kanji for “turbulence,” which they felt captured her untamed beauty and vivid presence. Sadly, Ran was diagnosed with uterine cancer and passed away at age five.
Feeling he hadn’t yet fully experienced the wonder of the Akita breed, Mr. Ogawa welcomed Yuko into the family, followed by Tsubaki, who shared the same brindle coloring as Ran. His wife Sabi (45), a naturalized Japanese citizen originally from Nepal, and their four sons have always helped with the dogs, so they’ve only kept females for easier handling. For the sake of simplicity, when registering at city hall or the vet, all their dogs’ names are written in hiragana.
Initially, Mr. Ogawa raised dogs as pets, but raising Akitas sparked a more profound sense of purpose. He shared with enthusiasm, “I’m proud that Akita dogs are recognized across Japan and even the world. I want to help preserve that tradition.” Both Ran and Yuko had litters of around 20 puppies, many of which have been rehomed. This commitment to preserving the Akita dog tradition is a testament to the Ogawa family’s dedication and passion. Eventually, Mr. Ogawa hopes to earn an official breeder certification.
Yuko has even appeared in national exhibitions. At the 141st Akita Dog Headquarters Exhibition in 2019, Yuko won the top prize: “Special Excellence.” Beyond showing dogs, Mr. Ogawa also volunteers as a judge’s assistant. In 2023, he joined the parade in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized by the Akita Dog Preservation Society to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hachiko’s birth, accompanied by Yuko’s daughter Nana.
Mr. Ogawa, who also sells used cars, is a passionate enthusiast about classic cars. He owns a 1966 Honda S800 and a 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT. Smiling, he said, “Yuko, with her sturdy fawn coat, is like the bold Skyline. Tsubaki’s sleek brindle pattern reminds me of a Fairlady Z.”
Sabi, who once feared dogs after being bitten as a child in Nepal, says she gradually developed a deep affection for them after seeing her husband’s dedication. “Now I raise them like they’re my daughters,” she said.
Because they enter national shows, Sabi is committed to raising the dogs properly. Her approach also reflects how she raised her children. Their youngest son, Taku (21), a senior at Josai University, has played soccer since before elementary school and led his team as captain during high school when they competed in the national championships. Even when Taku lost matches, Sabi never coddled him, encouraging him to reflect and push himself forward.
Behind that tough love lies the influence of her upbringing in Nepal, where close-knit relationships were the norm. Her parents raised her to value personal character and inner strength, believing these qualities were essential for building good relationships with others. Sabi continued, “Of course, I love my children and the dogs, but loving them doesn’t mean spoiling them.”
Mr. Ogawa added, “I want people to say, ‘Ogawa’s dogs are truly exceptional.’ Once a dog retires from the national shows, we treat them as a pet. Whether it’s preserving the Akita dog legacy or living with a beloved pet, I want to raise them with respect and balance.”
