Antonino Saporito has been involved with the Japanese Akita Inu since 1986 and is the founder of Casa Saporito in Italy. He began practising judo in 1973 and holds the rank of 6th Dan. Since his first visit to Japan in 1992, he has continued to study the Akita Inu and maintain close relations with Japanese breeders. He has contributed for many years to the preservation and development of the Akita Inu in Europe. As a founder and board member of AKIHO Europe, he works to promote the breed and uphold the principles of AKIHO.