AKITA INU HOZONKAI

HISTORY

Founded in 1927 in Odate (Akita Prefecture, Japan), Akita Inu Hozonkai (AKIHO) emerged in response to the growing threat that crossbreeding and the use of dogs for fighting posed to the native Odate Inu, an ancient dog population rooted in the region’s history. In its early years the organization faced considerable challenges, yet by the mid-1940s its activities began to take steady form. A major milestone was reached in 1937 with the introduction of official dog registration, followed in 1938 by the creation of the Akita Inu standard and the organization of the first AKIHO exhibition, which marked the beginning of organized preservation efforts.

During the Second World War AKIHO’s activities were temporarily suspended, yet in the postwar years the society quickly regained momentum. Exhibitions resumed in 1949, marking the revival of organized preservation efforts, and that same year saw the publication of the first issue of Akita Inu, AKIHO’s official bulletin. In May 1952, Akita Inu Hozonkai was restructured from an incorporated association into a public corporation foundation, reflecting its growing stature and formal recognition within Japan.

Beginning in 1949, AKIHO initiated the establishment of regional branches and general branches, first in areas such as Tohoku, Hokkaido, Kanto, Central Kanto, Tokai–Hokuriku, Kansai, Shikoku, Chugoku–Setouchi, and Kyushu. Today the organization comprises more than fifty branches across Japan, together with overseas clubs in North America, China, Taiwan, Russia, and Europe. In addition to the biannual AKIHO Honbuten, the prestigious headquarters exhibition held each spring and autumn, every branch organizes one or two exhibitions annually, supplemented on occasion by appreciation gatherings and research group meetings.

In 1977, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of its founding, AKIHO established the Akita Inu Kaikan (Akita Inu Hall). The building serves both as the organization’s headquarters and as a cultural landmark: the first floor houses the administrative offices, the second floor contains a conference hall, and the third floor is home to the Akita Inu Museum, highly regarded as the only museum in Japan dedicated exclusively to native Japanese dog breeds.

MISSION

The corporation aims to protect the natural monument Akita Inu and fixate its shape, based on its essence, while improving various elements, contributing to the development of Akita Inu culture in Japan, development abroad as a world dog breed, all of which in purpose with its spirit.

GOALS

The AKIHO corporation conducts the following projects to achieve the its preceding mission:

1. Registration of Akita Inu owners, kennel registration and pedigree issuance.
2. Akita Inu guidance and training on holding exhibitions, appreciation meetings and research meetings, round-table discussions, etc.
3. Akita Inu immobilization protection, breeding and dissemination of dogs.
4. Publication of “Akita Inu” bulletin and other publications.
5. All other projects necessary for achieving the purpose of the Society.

AKIHO EUROPE

With the growing international recognition of the Akita Inu, the need arose to coordinate preservation efforts beyond Japan. In 2008, AKIHO Europe was founded to support breeders, owners, and enthusiasts throughout the continent.

Since its foundation, AKIHO Europe has been dedicated to safeguarding the breed’s heritage and values, in close alignment with AKIHO Headquarters in Japan. Among its most important initiatives is the annual European Hozonkai Championship, held in Givoletto (Torino, Italy). For this event, official AKIHO judges are sent from Japan to evaluate dogs according to the highest standards of the breed. The championship attracts Akita Inu enthusiasts from across Europe, serving not only as a competition but also as a celebration of culture, passion, and international friendship within the Akita Inu community.

AKIHO Europe is led by a board of directors comprising the following members:

PRESIDENT

Antonino Saporito (Italy)

VICE-PRESIDENT

Peter van der Lugt (Netherlands)

SECRETARY DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

Rosa Siena (Italy)

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Takeshi Sugiyama (Italy / Japan)

CONSIGLIERI EUROPEAN HOZONKAI CHAMPIONSHIP
(in Alphabetical Order)

Francis Thilmany (Belgium)
Mao Stregapede (Italy)
Sandro Fregnan (Italy)