This spring, the community space Tosho Komorebi in Shirasawa, Odate City, began a new chapter as a farm-stay facility featuring Akita dogs. Running the place are Daiki Sato (25) and his wife Kanako (28), who became members of the city’s Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team in April. Along with their two Akita dogs, Otonomizu (one-year-old male, brindle coat) and Kanro Kanro (six-month-old female, fawn coat), they’ve expanded the facility’s role from a local gathering place to a spot where visitors can experience farm activities and rural hospitality.
Originally from Tokyo, Daiki worked as an engineer designing and constructing plant facilities in the greater Tokyo area. From April 2023 to July 2024, he and Kanako, who is from Aomori Prefecture, spent over a year living in Odate while on an extended work assignment. The nature-rich environment became a source of healing for Daiki amid his busy work life, ultimately serving as a turning point in their life.
Near the end of their stay in July 2024, they welcomed Otonomizu into their family. Although they returned to a Tokyo home that allowed large-breed dogs, the couple felt strongly that their dog needed a place where he could live more freely.
Daiki had long dreamed of trying his hand at farming and was considering a career shift from engineering. At an agricultural fair in the Tokyo area, he learned about opportunities to study Hinai-jidori chicken farming in Akita. “They explained this nationally renowned brand to me, someone from another prefecture, with kindness and patience. Since I’d already spent time in Odate, I felt an instant connection,” he recalled. Their long-term stay, his growing interest in agriculture, and their love for Akita dogs all combined to guide them back to Akita.
During their housing search, they met Yuta Misawa, director of the NPO Aki-Katsu Lab, which introduces vacant homes. Mr. Misawa suggested they take over the operations of Tosho Komorebi, which he had been running. This spring, the couple relocated to Odate and assumed management of the facility.
In March, they added their second Akita dog, Kanro Kanro, to the family. The dogs’ names come from “Otonomizu,” a famous spring in Happo Town, they visited during their work assignment. According to legend, when the lord of the Tsugaru Domain stopped there during his travels to Edo, he tasted the spring water and exclaimed, “Kanro, Kanro! Sweet nectar!”. The crisp, clear taste left a lasting impression on the couple as well. “Both ‘Otonomizu’ and ‘Kanro Kanro’ have such a charming sound. Anyone from Akita will remember them after hearing them once,” Kanako said with a smile.
Today, Tosho Komorebi continues to host regular ocha-kko kai (tea gatherings) for the community, while also offering farm-stay experiences such as vegetable harvesting from the on-site fields and making kiritanpo rice skewers. The two dogs play in the tatami rooms of the old house, the spacious garden, and the fields, watched over not just by the couple but also by local elders, children, and overnight guests. It’s a scene of gentle, shared joy.
“I want this to be a place where Akita dog lovers, nature enthusiasts, and people from all walks of life can gather,” Daiki said. “I’m still learning, but I also want to become a full-fledged poultry farmer.”
Kanako, who entered Kanro Kanro in the Akita Dog Preservation Society’s headquarters show in May, said, “Someday I’d like to see puppies from our two dogs.” She added, “Rather than just keeping them as pets, I want to learn about the breed in its homeland and, as a breeder, help promote Akita dogs.” She is currently studying for a certification in dog care, and once qualified, plans to feature the dogs as “canine ambassadors” for hands-on interaction in the farm-stay program.
For the Satos, Tosho Komorebi is a place where dreams can expand endlessly. As they build a new life alongside their Akita dogs, they are committed to putting down roots here in Akita.
