Both varieties are powerful, independent, and extremely loyal to their owners.
In the past, their predecessors guarded nobility and even hunted predators such as bears, wild boars, and deer, according to the community page Akita World.
Wasao, who lived in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, gained nationwide popularity after business owner Setsuko Kikuya adopted him in 2007 and posted articles about him online.
His unique appearance eventually earned him the nickname “busa kawaii,” a combination of the Japanese words “busaiku” (“ugly”) and “kawaii” (“cute”).
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