Kazuko Kashiwaya (60) and her husband Hiroshi (62), who live in Akita City, share their daily lives with two Akita dogs, Kotaro (four-year-old male) and Sae (two-year-old female).
Every morning, the pair used to enjoy a special routine, walking alongside neighborhood elementary school children on their way to school. For about ten minutes, they would accompany the children down the school route. One of the dogs’ greatest joys was “treat catching,” where the children tossed dog treats for them to catch mid-air. Whenever Kotaro or Sae successfully caught a treat, cheerful cries of “Wow!” and “Amazing!” rang out, making for lively and heartwarming mornings.
However, in autumn last year, frequent bear sightings in the area changed everything. With safety as the top priority, children have been driven to school by car instead of walking. As a result, Kotaro and Sae can no longer accompany them. Now, during their walks, the dogs stand near the school gate, gazing from a distance at the children arriving, quietly waiting for the routine they once loved.
The presence of bears has become a real and immediate concern. Last month (October 2025), while Kazuko was walking Kotaro near their home, they suddenly encountered a bear. A dark shape lurked in the bushes just ahead. Kotaro stopped, barked, and let out a loud warning howl. The bear retreated deeper into the brush and disappeared. Kazuko admits she hadn’t noticed the bear at all until Kotaro reacted. “He protected me. He was a true guard dog,” she said.
Senshu Park, the dogs’ favorite walking spot, was also off-limits for a time due to bear activity.
At the park, both dogs love the soft-serve ice cream sold at a small kiosk. Watching them lick it happily constantly brought smiles to Kazuko and the shop staff alike.
Senshu Park is also a popular tourist destination. Kotaro and Sae often pose for photos with visitors and perform their treat-catching trick, leaving travelers with happy memories. But as true Akita dogs, they are naturally cautious. If someone suddenly tries to touch them, they may bark.
“People see an Akita dog and instinctively reach out to pet them without warning. We never know from where a hand might appear. We have to be careful so nothing happens to people or dogs. Of course, I want them to be friendly, but this is the responsibility of raising Akita dogs in Akita,” Kazuko explained.
Kotaro joined the family in spring 2021 after Kazuko’s parents, who had lived with them, passed away. Around the same time, both of her daughters got married and left home, leaving the house suddenly quiet. Sae became a new family member in autumn 2023. Training the two dogs and managing their relationship isn’t always easy, and when challenges arise, the couple seeks advice from fellow Akita dog owners and experienced breeders.
Despite the difficulties, the couple feels their lives have become richer thanks to Kotaro and Sae.
“Yes, there are hard moments,” Hiroshi said, “but these dogs soften our hearts. We’ve met people we never would have known otherwise. I hope the day comes soon when we can return to peaceful daily life without worrying about bears.”
Believing that one day they will again walk side-by-side with neighborhood children on their morning route, the couple heads out on today’s walk with Kotaro and Sae.
