11-12 April 2026 - Torino, Italy
2ND SHINBOKUTEN
Japan Returns To Europe
INVITATION
2nd SHINBOKUTEN
AKIHO Europe is proud to announce the 2nd Shinbokuten, set to take place on 11-12 April 2026 in Torino, Italy.
親睦展
Shinbokuten, combining the kanji for “friendship” and “exhibition,” is a special event organised by AKIHO Europe. It is held separately from the official exhibitions of the Akita Inu Hozonkai Headquarters and is intended to encourage friendship, learning, and exchange among AKIHO overseas members.
The event provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Akita Inu through explanations and guidance offered by MATSUSHIMA Seiji, Appointed Expert Judge (Haken Yuushikisha Shinsain) and former Vice President of AKIHO. His role in this study-oriented programme is to share knowledge and experience in an educational and informal setting.
Further details will be shared in due course.
AKIHO Europe looks forward to welcoming participants to Torino.
WHAT IS SHINBOKUTEN?
Shinbokuten is an additional event to the annual European Hozonkai Championship, organized to complement—rather than replace—the established championship format.
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During the morning, conducted in the form of Kotai Shinsa (individual judging), the first judging phase will take place under the supervision of Matsushima Seiji, with assistance from AKIHO judge candidates in selected classes. This approach allows for guidance and learning while maintaining the integrity and consistency of the judging process.
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During the afternoon, the subsequent second judging phase concerns Sougou Shinsa (comprehensive judging), during which class placements are determined. This phase will be conducted as Gougi Shinsa (consultation judging), with Matsushima Seiji presiding over the judging panel, retaining final responsibility for all ring placements and decisions.
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To encourage participation across events, a promotional entry discount of €20 per dog* will apply to exhibitors who also enter the European Hozonkai Championship, scheduled for October and judged exclusively by Japanese judges.
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Where applicable, Nintei will be issued to participants who require an AKIHO registration number in order to take part in the event.
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Participation in Shinbokuten is open exclusively to AKIHO members with valid membership for 2026, or to those who have completed a new membership registration, in accordance with standard AKIHO regulations.
*: The discounted entry fee applies only when the same dog is entered in both events. The discount is not cumulative and may not be transferred to another dog, even if owned by the same person. This measure is intended to encourage participation in both events, particularly by private owners with a single dog.
AKIHO EUROPE iS PROUD TO WELCOME
Matsushima Seiji was born in 1963 in Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. After graduating from Daitetsu Senior High School in 1982, he joined Matsushima Construction Co., Ltd., where he later assumed the role of Representative Director.
He joined Akita Inu Hozonkai in 1985 and has since served in various roles at branch, regional, and headquarters levels. His responsibilities have included work at the Kansai General Branch and the Osaka Prefectural Branch Secretariat, as well as service as an Auditor at Headquarters.
From 1997 on, Mr. Matsushima has served as Head of the Kansai General Branch and Osaka Prefectural Branch, after which he has held multiple terms as Vice President of Akita Inu Hozonkai Headquarters (1998-2006).
In 2025, he was assigned as Haken Yuushikisha Shinsain (Appointed Expert Judge), in recognition of his long-standing involvement with Akita Inu Hozonkai and his experience within the organisation.