Two months have passed since the Akita dog “Wasao” from Ajigasawa of Aomori Prefecture, has left for heaven. Wasao had gained popularity all over Japan with its white-long-fluffy hair and lovely expressions. “I can’t but say goodbye to Wasao.” was the sentiment of two different owners of long-haired Akita dogs from both Osaka Prefecture and Daisen City in Akita, who rushed together with their dogs at the remembrance meeting for Wasao. The remembrance took place in Wasao’s hometown on August 9th. Long-haired Akita dogs deviate from the Akita dogs’ set of standards put forth by the Akita Dog Conservation Association, which tends to lead Akita dog lovers to have a prejudice against them. That is why Wasao was a lifesaver to them by expanding the charms of long-haired Akita dogs.
The two owners who attended the reunion are self-employed Kono Tsuyoshi, from Izumiotsu City, Osaka Prefecture, and Soma Yukari, also self-employed, from the southern part of Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. Both of their dogs are three-year-old Akita Torage males, one named Kojiro and the other Wabisuke.
It is said that male Akita dogs need to maintain a “social distance” to avoid getting stressed. Therefore, the two dogs watched the remembrance meeting outside the venue while maintaining an appropriate distance from others. After the meeting, each dog had their picture taken with Wasao’s photograph. It seemed to say farewell to the great senior Wasao who left for heaven.
In August 2019, the two dogs, Kojiro and Wabisuke, participated in the 5th annual contest for long-haired Akita dogs, which bears the name of Wasao. The competition takes place in Wasao’s hometown of Ajigasawa. Competing against 13 other participants, Kojiro won the grand prize. This contest became the last time Kojiro and Wabisuke met with Wasao.
Though it had been a year since being in Ajigasawa, Kono drove from Osaka to show his respect for the late Wasao. While missing Wasao but showing no signs of tiredness, Kono said, “I managed to get to this memorial meeting in time. My dog Kojiro got the highest award at the contest last year. The relationship between Wasao and us must be fate.”
As long-haired Akita dog lovers, Kono and Soma have long been close friends. They dedicated flowers to Wasao at the memorial meeting under one joint name. They do not hide their feelings towards some prejudice that exists surrounding long-haired dogs.
“Some people publicly say, ‘It is cute’ but also give discriminative words to us such as, ‘long-haired dogs are Akita dogs-for-nothing,’” said Soma. “That is why Wasao was ‘beyond the dog.’ I sincerely appreciate Wasao’s life and his hard work.” Soma offered a thankful message to Wasao, who was estimated to be 13 years old, and completed his long life even as a larger dog.
Expressing his admiration for Wasao, Kono said, “Wasao was an extraordinary Akita dog. The strength of the bond between Wasao and the owner impressed people.”
Kono has been warming up to an idea recently. The idea is to move to Akita prefecture with his family. “I would like to learn more about Akita dogs, and I want long-haired Akita dogs correctly recognized in the Akita breed.” Initially, he hoped to achieve this goal within the year. However, plans are now on hold until the spread of the new coronavirus is over.
“I hope for Kojiro to be loved by Akita’s people, even if he is not like as much as Wasao,” said Kono. The second Wasao (Kojiro) boom may come to Akita prefecture soon.
“Wasao Award” chairperson attending the meeting in memory of Wasao, said “I thought it was a hoax at first.”
Nishikawa Kei from Sapporo City, who oversees the chairperson of the Wasao Award every year, also attended the meeting to remember Wasao.
Nishikawa read Wasao’s obituary online, but said, “I thought it was a hoax at first.” He remembered a famous comedian Shimura Ken, who had met with Wasao. Shimura once was reported online to be dead, when in reality, he was merely okay. “I thought it was a similar trick, but it was not. However, I could not be sure of that fact for some time.” Unrelated to the hoax, unfortunately, Shimura Ken eventually died of pneumonia which was associated with coronavirus.
Nishikawa himself has two Akita dogs. One of them is 15 years old. “I never thought that Wasao would die before my dog did,” he said regretfully.
Nishikawa also said, “I think Wasao has changed the destiny of many people and dogs. I hope he will meet his first owner Kikutani Setsuko, and Mr. Shimura, and have a pleasant time together in heaven.”
