In mid-August, a new member joined the family of Susumu Harada (73) and Mariko (64), who live in Omonogawamachi, Yokote City, Akita. Her name is Rin, a two-month-old female Akita puppy. With her tiny body and boundless energy, she races around the house, filling the Haradas’ home with constant smiles.
Indoors, Rin’s playful antics never fail to entertain. She loves to grab her favorite penguin plush toy and shake it around, or chase after a ball and tumble across the floor. When she’s outside for walks or playing in the garden, she’s endlessly fascinated by anything that moves. She watches leaves swaying in the wind or birds taking flight with sparkling eyes, and sometimes pounces on insects she spots in the grass. “She’s such a curious and innocent little girl,” Mariko said with a tender smile.
After playing to her heart’s content, Rin suddenly flops down motionless, like a toy whose batteries have run out. But if she’s still eager to play and someone tries to guide her back behind the fence, she cleverly keeps her right hind leg sticking out to block the gate. “She’s pretty smart, don’t you think?” Susumu laughed. Mariko added, “The way she glances up at us as if to say, ‘I still want to play!’ is just so adorable.”
The couple follows a simple approach to training: “Firmly correct what’s wrong, and praise generously when she does well.” Rin is currently learning basic commands, such as “wait” and “sit.” However, mealtime is still her biggest weakness as she just can’t resist diving face-first into the bowl or hand as soon as the food appears.
Susumu chose the name “Rin,” hoping she would grow into “a straight, elegant, and dignified Akita dog.” Watching her puppy-like expressions and clumsy antics, he laughed, “She’s so cute, I can’t help but spoil her.”
The Haradas have lived with dogs for more than 20 years, including Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. After their last dog passed away a few years ago, the house had been quiet. That changed last year when a friend suggested, “Why not try raising an Akita dog?” Susumu, who had long admired the breed’s proud, noble presence on his walks, finally decided, “I want to walk side by side with one, too.”
A veteran carpenter with over 50 years in the construction trade, Susumu couldn’t wait for Rin’s arrival. Six months before bringing her home, he hand-built a wooden indoor enclosure just for her. It has since become Rin’s favorite spot. As she grows, he plans to expand the space, so she’ll have even more comfort.
Their daily routine includes three walks a day—morning, noon, and evening—around their neighborhood. Rin doesn’t just walk, sometimes she suddenly takes off running. Holding the leash, Susumu often finds himself jogging after her, calling out, “Wait! Wait!” He chuckled, “I never thought I’d be running this much in my seventies,” wiping away sweat with a grin. “But it’s good exercise.”
Having lived with dogs for decades, Susumu said Rin will likely be his final canine companion. “She’s still a puppy, but I’m really looking forward to the day I can walk side by side with a grown Rin.” With deep affection, the Haradas watch over her as she continues to grow strong and full of life.
