FROM DREAM TO REALITY

My passion for the AKITA led me to visit its country of origin: Japan.

It was in May 2001 that for the first time, I tread the ground of Japan. It was the realization of a dream.

Accompanied by Mr. Hell and Mrs. and Mr. Zeller, all those "bitten" by the AKITA, I spent twelve magic days in the Land of the Rising Sun...

Japan is a mysterious country, for us Westerners.

I discovered a marvellous nation where the traditional values coexist with modernism

It is a city in constant effervescence. First of all, Tokyo has an ultramodern look, a little disconcerting. But while walking, one quickly realizes that traditional Japan has not disappeared. High technology co-exists with old customs. Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the safest cities in the world. One can walk about at any hour of the day or the night without never being harassed.

Shinjuku at night, modern quarter	In front of the northern exit at Shibuya station, the famous statue of " Hachiko", who sits always seeming to await the return of his Master.
Shibuya :The akita wall
	Asakusa is a district which is characterized by its popular look and the traditional style of its narrow streets bordered by small shops and its large red paper lanterns.

Kamakura is a very beautiful city which is found about an hour away from Tokyo by train. This peaceful residential area, sourrounded by a ring of green hills was once the the place of the fuedal governement.

Tsuruoka Hachimangen - one of the shinto temples.
Dai – Butsu – The great bronze Buddha

Odate is well away from the tourist circuit. Situated north of Honshu island, this large authentic village is surrounded by mountains.

But Odate, for those impassioned by the Akita-inu, it represents much more than that. This city is the cradle of the breed and the native city of the famous " Hachiko". The Akita-inu is omnipresent here. A museum is devoted to him and even the manhole covers are in his image ! Moreover, every May 3rd, in Keijo park is held the most prestigious AKITA exposition in the world, "Zhunki Zenkokuten" the spring National Exposition: A magic moment!

The town		The Statue of Hachiko, in front of the station
Statue in front of the station : A family of Akitas		One of the manwhole covers
One of the entrances to Keijo park		The exposition under the blossoming cherry trees in Keijo Park

Osaka is the second largest town in Japan and it also one of the biggest centers of industry and commerce. From a tourist point of few Osaka doesn’t present a lot of interest. But for us, this visit was passionate because we met several renowned Akita-inu breeders.

Meeting SHIN-NO-O the father of my dog NAOYO at Mr NAKAGAWA’s		Love at first sight for MIKUMO

A traditional meal with Mr and Mrs Nakagawa and Mr Endo ( photos A. HELL) top