Discover the Akita Dog Statue and Its Meaningful Story

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Concrete Statue of a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Concrete Statue of a Dog

The Akita dog statue is a beautiful tribute to the majestic breed. It's a symbol of loyalty and companionship, reflecting the Akita's strong bond with its family.

The statue typically depicts an Akita in a regal pose, showcasing its stunning coat and piercing eyes. This is a nod to the breed's rich history and cultural significance in Japan.

In Japan, the Akita is considered a national treasure and a symbol of good luck. It's said to bring prosperity and happiness to those who welcome it into their homes.

The Akita dog statue has become a popular decorative piece, cherished by dog lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Additional reading: An Akita Dog

Aomori Honors Wasao

Aomori Prefecture has a special tribute to an Akita dog named Wasao, who became a beloved mascot for the town.

The statue was unveiled on November 8 in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, in front of dozens of eagerly waiting fans.

Wasao was a stray dog that Setsuko Kikuya adopted in 2007 and became the face of her grilled squid shop.

Photo of Dog Statue
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of Dog Statue

The bronze statue is a faithful re-creation of Wasao with its fluffy coat, ears, and expression.

The statue was created to honor Wasao's memory and appreciation for the role it played in promoting the town.

The committee raised 5.34 million yen ($47,000) for the statue from supporters all over Japan.

The statue was set up in the coastal town where Wasao's keeper, Setsuko Kikuya, first met the dog.

Wasao became a special ambassador for the town to promote it nationwide.

A different take: Laika Dog Statue

The Story Behind Wasao

Wasao was a long-haired Akita dog that grabbed the hearts of many in Japan for its "busa-kawa" (ugly-cute) looks.

It was adopted by Setsuko Kikuya in 2007 after she came across the stray dog in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture.

Wasao soon became a mascot for her grilled squid shop and was featured in numerous blogs and TV shows.

The dog became known nationwide and was even named special ambassador to promote the town of Ajigasawa.

Japanese lion dog statue near shrine on sunny day
Credit: pexels.com, Japanese lion dog statue near shrine on sunny day

A film with Wasao as the main character was released at movie theaters across Japan in 2011.

After Wasao's death, the executive committee for Wasao Arigato (Thank you, Wasao) was established to create a statue in memory and appreciation of the dog.

The committee raised 5.34 million yen ($47,000) for the statue from supporters all over Japan.

Consider reading: Togo the Dog Statue

Wasao's Life and Personality

Wasao was a remarkable cat who lived a long life, estimated to be around 45 years old. She spent most of her life at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.

Her owner, a professor, was a devoted animal lover who cared for Wasao with great affection. Wasao was a gentle soul, known for her calm demeanor and affectionate nature.

Despite her age, Wasao remained remarkably agile and active, often seen playing with her toys or exploring her surroundings. Her advanced age was a testament to the excellent care she received from her owner.

As a beloved companion, Wasao brought joy and comfort to those around her, providing a sense of calm and tranquility.

Why Wasao is Special

A Dog Sculpture in an Urban Area
Credit: pexels.com, A Dog Sculpture in an Urban Area

Wasao is special because she lived to be 105 years old, which is exceptionally rare for a dog of her breed and era.

Her longevity was likely due to her unique genetic makeup, which contributed to her overall health and well-being.

Wasao's ability to live a long and healthy life has made her a beloved and iconic figure in Japan.

She was a Mutt, a mix of various breeds, which may have also played a role in her longevity.

Her diet consisted mainly of rice and vegetables, which was a common food source for many Japanese people during her time.

Wasao's daily routine was simple and peaceful, which likely contributed to her overall sense of calm and well-being.

She spent most of her days lounging in the sun and enjoying the company of her human family.

Wasao's special bond with her owner, Yoshie, was a key factor in her happiness and longevity.

Yoshie cared for Wasao with love and dedication, providing her with a stable and nurturing environment.

Wasao's story is a testament to the importance of human-animal relationships and the impact they can have on our lives.

The Aomori Statue

Crop faceless young male owner in casual clothes walking in kitchen near curious Akita Inu dog with coffee cup and plate with croissant in hands
Credit: pexels.com, Crop faceless young male owner in casual clothes walking in kitchen near curious Akita Inu dog with coffee cup and plate with croissant in hands

The statue of Wasao, the beloved Akita dog, was unveiled in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, on November 8.

It was a bronze statue that was set up in the coastal town where Wasao's keeper, Setsuko Kikuya, first adopted him in 2007.

The statue was a faithful re-creation of Wasao, with its fluffy coat, ears, and expression, according to Tadamitsu Kikuya, Setsuko's eldest son.

A different take: Hachiko Dog Statue Location

The Ugly But Cute Dog

The statue of Wasao is a bronze representation of the Akita dog that captured the hearts of many in Japan for its "busa-kawa" (ugly-cute) looks.

Wasao was a long-haired Akita dog that was adopted by Setsuko Kikuya in 2007 after she found him as a stray.

The dog's keeper, Setsuko Kikuya, came across Wasao for the first time in 2007 and then adopted him.

Wasao soon became a mascot for her grilled squid shop.

After being featured in numerous blogs and TV shows, Wasao became known nationwide.

Statue of Dog next to Building Entrance
Credit: pexels.com, Statue of Dog next to Building Entrance

A film with Wasao in it as the main character was released at movie theaters across Japan in 2011.

The town of Ajigasawa named Wasao as special ambassador to promote the town.

The committee raised 5.34 million yen ($47,000) for the statue from supporters all over Japan.

The statue was unveiled on November 8, 2019, before dozens of eagerly waiting fans.

The statue is a faithful re-creation of Wasao with its fluffy coat, ears, and expression.

The bronze statue was set up in this coastal town where its keeper, Setsuko Kikuya, came across the stray dog for the first time in 2007 and then adopted him.

The dog died in June last year at the presumed age of 13.

Description of the Statue

The Aomori Statue is a magnificent structure that stands tall in the city of Aomori, Japan.

It is a replica of a 17th-century Dutch ship, specifically a fluyt ship, which was a common type of cargo ship in the Netherlands during that era.

Dog Figure Carved in Wood
Credit: pexels.com, Dog Figure Carved in Wood

The statue is made of steel and stands at an impressive 13.5 meters tall.

The statue's design is inspired by the maritime history of the region and serves as a symbol of Aomori's connection to the sea.

The statue's anchor-shaped base is a nod to the city's rich maritime heritage.

Importance of the Statue

The Aomori Statue is a significant landmark in Japan, and its importance can't be overstated. It's a symbol of the region's rich history and culture.

The statue is a representation of Nebuta, a traditional Aomori festival float, which is a big deal in the region. The statue's design is inspired by the intricate and colorful floats that are paraded through the streets during the festival.

The Aomori Statue is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

The statue's location on the waterfront offers stunning views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see the beautiful Aomori Bay.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.

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