Abstract
This is the second part of my paper, “The Internationalization Strategy of Akita-Inu,” published in the first issue of this Journal. With the expanding popularity of Akita-Inu , a national natural treasure of Japan, among pet lovers in the world, so-called boomerang effect could be seen both from within and outside of Akita. The city government of Odate, birthplace of famous “Hachi”, under the new leadership of mayor, Mr. Fukuhara, plotted out a program constructing an Akita-Inu museum including a “Hachi-ko station” in imitation of Pre-War Shibuya station where “Hachi” waited for its past owner. If constructed, it may become an attractive tourist spot in Akita. Also a forum “Beloved Akita Dogs”, sponsored by Yomiuri Akita bureau, was held at AIU in April, which were attended by experts and those familiar with Hachi and Akita dogs. The forum succeeded in digging deep into the charms of the dogs and stressed importance of collective efforts by governments and private sectors to promote the brand of Akita-Inu to the world.
