Japan’s Most Famous Dog Breed: The Akita-inu

Nakagawa takes his dogs for a walk every morning, so he remains healthy in his eighties.

In the center is Kōgyoku-megō, a female born in January 2017. (The –megō is a suffix sometimes added to names of female dogs; an equivalent often attached to male names is –gō.)

Godai, a male (left), and Suzuyo, a female, were both born in August 2017, so were three months old at the time of writing at the end of November.

The statue of Hachikō in Shibuya is a place to meet and take photographs. The original statue was requisitioned for war materiel in World War II, making this the second incarnation.

A display in Nakagawa’s place of business shows French film star Alain Delon in the top right corner. The photograph at the top left shows Nakagawa selling Akita-inu puppies to Stevie Wonder’s brother.

Nakagawa with one of his beloved dogs.

Nakagawa with dogs outside his place of business.

Ryūfū-gō, a male with brindle fur born in July 2014.

Umeko-gō, a female with white fur born in April 2011.

The standard measurements for an Akita-inu encompass the following specifications. The muzzle and the rest of the head should be in a 4:6 ratio. Ears should stand up at an angle of 75–90 degrees. The height and length should be in a 100:110 ratio.

Kōgyoku-megō displays her graceful stance.

Suzuyo is nervous on her first visit to the park. Her legs are spread apart, and her ears have fallen flat.