On October 11th, the Akita Dog Preservation Society held the 96th Prefectural South Branch Exhibition in the parking lot of the Prefectural Museum of Agricultural Science in Otomo, Daisen City, Akita. Forty-six Akita dogs were exhibited from 11 branches inside and outside Akita Prefecture and competed for robust physiques and plush coats. Branch Manager Masami Hamada helped organize the exhibition.
The 96th Exhibition had eight categories according to age and gender of the Akita dogs. The judges of the Preservation Society Examination Department carefully checked each dog’s body, facial features, and whether the tail curled up beautifully. The female-adult Misugi, exhibited by Kozaki Keiichiro of the Miyagi Prefectural Branch, and the male-adult Unkaimaru, exhibited by Yamamoto Rikusho of the Niigata Prefectural Branch, won first place in their respected categories, as well as tokuyu-isseki (excellence award). On the day of the exhibition, exhibitors and spectators were asked to wear masks and disinfect their hands. Mr. Hamada said, “Many branches have been forced to cancel their exhibitions due to the influence of the new coronavirus, but it is important for members to exchange information and learn to raise Akita dogs properly. I am glad that everyone cooperated with the measures put in place.”
