Akita Inu Hozonkai

History

In 1927 Akita Inu Hozonkai was founded in Odate (Akita Prefecture, Japan) to combat the threat crossbreeding and fighting dogs posed to its local indigenous dogs (Odate Inu), which had lived there since ancient times. It is said that in the beginning AKIHO's operation was not easy, but from around 1945 things gradually got into orbit. Dog registration was first carried out in 1937, and in 1938 the Akita Inu standard was found and the first AKIHO exhibition was held.

During the Second World War operations were temporarily suspended, but after the war things rapidly took off. From 1949 exhibitions were again held and it was also the first year that AKIHO's “Akita Inu” bulletin was published. In May of 1952 Akita Inu Hozonkai changed its form from an incorporated corporation into a public corporation foundation.

From 1949, also the establishment of branches and general branches started, with branches in Tohoku, Hokkaido, Kanto, Kanto Central, Tokai Hokuriku, Kansai, Shikoku, Chugoku Setouchi, Kyushu. Nowadays there are more than 50 branches in total, as well as overseas clubs in North America, China, Taiwan, Russia and Europe. Next to the AKIHO Honbuten (headquarters exhibition) that takes place every spring and fall, each branch holds at least one to two exhibitions every year, added with ornamental meetings and meetings of research groups from time to time.

In addition, with Akita Inu Hozonkai's 50th anniversary in 1977, Akita Inu Kaikan (Akita Inu Hall) was established in its commemoration. On the first floor it houses the headquarters office, on the second floor there is a conference room, and on the third floor there is the Akita Inu Museum, highly valued as the only museum dedicated to the Japanese dog.

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

AKIHO Europe is represented by the board of directors, which consists out of the following members:

President

Antonino Saporito (Italy)

VICE-PRESIDENT

Piercarlo Cappelli (Italy)
Peter van der Lugt (Netherlands)

EUROPEAN SECTION DIRECTORS (in alphabetIcal order)

Francis Thilmany (Belgium)
Rebeka Tratnik (Croatia)
Silvia Exposito (Spain)
Zuzanna Chade (Poland)

Advisor (in alphabetIcal order)

Davor Ivic (Croatia)

CommunicationS manager

Takeshi Sugiyama (Italy / Japan)