Hello, Appreciate your research and writing Dog Man. I'm an Akita owner. I was fortunate to have an Akita that had "spirit."

Funahoski seemed to be admired by Morie. Is he still alive? Is there a way to find out more about him?

Many Thanks!

I live in Japan (U.S. born and raised) and I'm a Buddhist. Shinto is not normally practiced as a religion in the Western sense. It's used for births, weddings, and the occasional blessing of cars, buildings, etc. It's an animistic religion and holds little for the typical Japanese person.

Buddhism is also largely ceremonial for today's Japanese folks. Most of Japan is agnostic. Some would argue the same about the west. There's lots of chest-thumping and condemnation but few even attempt to live by the Beatitudes.

I found the site looking for info on Akitas. I have a Shiba ken...it's little cousin... and think it's the greatest dog ever. The book was outstanding and sparked my interest. The area in Japan where it takes place is phenomenally beautiful and remote to this day.

Well, Athena, God-kings and king-Gods, if you asked me, just aren't the best idea, whatever you believe.

With the kind of physical power people have wielded just lately in history, well, one can do worse than remember the world as seen through a dog's eyes.

Around the turn of the 20th century, Shinto was used to justify the hyper-nationalism of the Japanese - as a reaction to the flood of foreign ideas and goods that came with the "opening of Japan". The leaders who were responsible for this pushed Buddhism into the background, and re-interpreted the old warrior codes to promote their own agendas, ike Hitler did to Norse Paganism and Christianity. (Because he used both to his own purposes). After the war, the Japanese disavowed the extreme nationalistic parts of Shinto and returned to the combination of Buddhism and Shinto that we know today.

i tend to agree with the people who say no bad dogs only bad owners-
i had a great pyrenees and they're the second largest breed after wolfhounds and he was one of our most docile dogs-
also my other had a wolf from a pup and he lived his whole life without any incident of any agression-
we always had a houseful of dogs and cats- and they never fought either- i even had a border collie and norwegian forest cat and they were inseparable- she even attacked a german shepherd and sprang full on his face claws out to protect him once- luckily i was there and snatched her or he'd have eaten her for sure- but she didnt care- she laid on his back all day every day and they grew old together-

Steamboater: Hey mate, would your sentiments also extend toward that wonderful Christian religion that took off on several crusades to pillage and plunder the eastern Mediterranean region - or better yet, that wonderful God fearing country. You know the one that dropped two atomic bombs on two different cities killing thousands of civilians instantly and causing medical problems and birth defects in the years that followed. Would not America have been better off if it had followed one of Christianity’s core tenets: “turn the other cheek”?

My point, don't confuse an apple with an orange. War is war and people have and will continue to play on people’s beliefs to make war.

But I assume you already know that and write just to talk because you have nothing better to say or do.

- Como odio gente tan tonta.

Very interesting article. As the owner of a wonderful Akita (Yoshi) I knew of the breed's plight during WWII but never had heard of an actual individual who helped preserve these amazing dogs. I've also heard of Japan and its connection to Shintoism and, despite being atheist, have a strong admiration toward Shintoism and other religions or philosophies that embrace nature and the outdoors.

I read your book and I LOVED IT.

There's certainly contradictions in Japanese who believe in Shintoism as there are in all religions e.g., why would the Japanese then kill these dogs and use their fur to line their coats with?

Akita's look a bt like Samoyeds. I don't know anything about Akitas but I had a Samoyed for 15 years. The gentlest yet most independent of dogs and very difficult to train, I loved her tremendously. I really do think there aren't any bad dogs, just bad people who own and train these dogs to do terrible things. How could you not love dogs?

This sounds like a beautiful story, however I just wish, in regard to Shintoism, the Japanese had admired and valued human life during WWII more than trees. Their belief then in Shintoism could have saved untold thousands of lives, including Americasn POWs.

Hinduism and Judaism developed an understanding that went beyond "Nature is God and God is nature" very early on. All other religions are younger in comparison. Even Buddhism is only five hundred years older than Christianity.

Shinto as I understand it is a combination of pantheism (God is nature and nature is God) and ancestor worship. Living in harmony with nature, with humans considering themselves to be an integral part of it seems to be an essential characteristic of all early religions which is pantheism + ancestor worship, whether it is Shinto in Japan, the religion of the Australian Aboriginals and native Red Indians. Probably early pagans in Europe were no different.

Buddhism evolved in a uniquely Japanese way in Japan integrating Shinto.

I can't wait to read this book. The description of Shinto is beautiful.

I can't wait to read this book. The description of Shinto is beautiful.

I can't wait to read this book. The description of Shinto is beautiful.

I can't wait to read this book. The description of Shinto is beautiful.

Japanese breeds do not belong in a city. They were bred to bark at or bite anyone or anything other then the person who feeds them.

I have lived in Japan for sixteen years, and one of the things I miss most about the U.S. is European breed dogs.

The greatest dog I even had was an Akita.
My daughter would sleep with her head on Kuma's belly...and I could put her by the crib, say "Watch the baby", and no one could get near.
She watched out for the whole family...an independant and brillant dog.

Att: K E N N E D Y. @ 3:35PM.;

"Hara-Kiri"?

Thank-o-shame!

Huggs & da Kisses to ALL the BRiGHT(s) & STAR(s) Yo's!

I had at one hoped to meet this honorable man, whom has done so much good, witnessed and felt by me when I see my children play with their Akita.

Gary

I'm indebted to Morie Sawataishi. Akitas have sure added quality to my life experience. I'm very grateful.

Brendan McMahon
Middlesex, Vermont

Martha Sherrill' post makes a good case that we can find spiritualy without the Bible.

Perhaps our linguistically-challenged friend wasn't referring to Indian cuisine at all. He may have meant committing Harry Caray, the practice of which centers around commenting on baseball games. Or possibly Harry Carey, which seems to involve riding horses while wearing a broad-brimmed hat.

I have nothing against Shinto, myself, but I find the hippie love-fest here ironic. Shinto is being praised by the same people I would usually expect to unfairly denounce it. Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto Shrine, after all. The "kami" in "kamikaze" is a Shinto reference. Maybe this is the beginning of a more thoughtful, fair, and tolerant approach to the world's religions, even establishment religions like Shinto.

By the way, the headline, "God's Best Friend," on the home page would be more accurately written, "Gods' best friend," this being Shinto.

i've been living with akitas for the past 10 years, and i really don't understand why they have such a bad reputation. My dogs have never been aggressive toward any human, and while they have a normal canine prey instinct, mine have never gone out to pick a fight.

they definitely aren't easy--there's a lot of negotiating that goes on--but aggression isn't one of the problems, at least from my experience. Of course, they live inside the house as part of the family, receive daily walks, weekly runs, and playtime with other dogs, so they've been well-socialized.

That said, I do believe you should be an experienced dog owner before you try to bring one home. They'll take over the house fairly quickly.

No bad dogs....only bad owners.

No bad dogs....only bad owners.

Keef hit the nail on the head here. Great dogs...if you research them first and are capable of handling them!

If not, and you won't/can't commit yourself to providing consistent discipline and exercise, you have NO business with this breed. Mysticism is great and all but...

Our neighbor had two Akitas that he neglected by only allowing them to be "backyard" dogs. Naturally, their protective nature took over and they eventually attacked and mauled a young girl.

Matching lifestyle and personality with breed is key...

flash - only animals with souls get to heaven and means humans not dogs, pet turtles, or the like.
enjoy them while your here they dont get anyplace else.

Jack - Akitas are surely aggressive towards other animals, and because of their size and instinctive nature are difficult to control around them. Personally I have not heard stories of them being this way towards humans, however. I have quite a bit of experience with Akitas and have never heard of one attacking a person (but many have hurt, maimed and even killed small dogs)

"Hurrah-Curry" What???

I'll assume that this comment is meant as a shout out to the spice used in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Otherwise, the depths of the ignorance on display is far too vast to bother exploring.

In my many years on this planet, I have spent countless hours learning about the world's religions and as a straight, happily married, atheist, "homosexual pagan witch" ... I can honestly say that the only ONLY "religion" I would ever consider supporting is Shinto. It is the only religion on the planet that promotes man's need to live in harmony with nature. And, that includes the gorgeous and well-trained Akita who greets us each morning.

JJ, you are ill-informed and spewing bigotry, as usual. Not all neo-Pagans are homosexuals, although we welcome them wholeheartedly into our ranks. Some of the happiest, most fun-loving and giving people I have known are Queer Pagans.

As for this story - I am glad to hear more about Shinto and Akitas. Even though my husband and I don't have time to raise a dog properly (and they'd probably have our two cats for a light snack), we've thought about getting an Akita. Sigh... maybe when we're both not working such long hours.

"Hurrah-Curry"?!!

Lol. I like Indian food as much as the next person. I don't see how making an Indian meal is an extreme reaction to gay people.

Unless you mean "Hara-Kiri"? Your post is otherwise so intelligent and informed, that I got confused.
I bet you have lots of educated opinions.

My family had an Akita for 13 happy years. She was a tremendously loyal, fearless and protective companion but also a loving pet who was very gentle with our two small children. Akitas are a wonderful and very unique breed. It is irresponible owners and poor breeding that have given Akitas - in this country - their bad reputation.

@ Jack: Jack clearly has done some research, and also appears to have some real-world experience. A "bird dog" can indeed maim or kill, but rarely causes that kind of trouble--that behavior's just not genetically there. I have seen, too many times on the streets of D.C., an Akita adopt a dominant stance and attack another dog or owner. Yes, other breeds will have the same "strong drive," but that's not the point. The point is that those who have such "guard" breeds must train THEMSELVES and not sit idly by, clueless, while their dog runs to the end of its "extend-o-leash" and maims another. Know what the breed requires of YOU and then train yourself accordingly. Socialize the animal and correct bad behavior. The dog will learn. Be responsible!

As an Akita owner, I must say that this story is wonderful background to an excellent breed. My boy, Zeus, is a full grown male of 120 pounds who is clever, loving, ultra protective, and uplifting.

My gratitude goes to Morie for working to preserve the breed and allowing my family to include our Zeus in it's ranks. Without his selfless work, we would not have him among us and patrolling our house!!!

Akitas are not for everybody, their aggressive nature and raw physical power make it difficult for the weaker sort to train. They constantly test you. But through assertiveness, attention, and good ol' fashoned love this breed can be a loyal, gentile, and caring companion.

Once again, thank you Morie for all of your work.

-Eric

A simple yet elegant approach to life. How far have the Wrights, Falwells, and Robertsons strayed from this noble path?

It's worth mentioning, particularly in light of what happened to Eight Belles at the Derby, that Akitas are an example of a badly overbred and inbred breed. (Although if they were in danger of extinction, that might help account for a shallow gene pool.) It has made the animals prone to epilepsy and disabling hip problems, among other problems.

Jack is absolutely right. What Akitas also have is aggression and dominant tendencies. Most people who think about bringing one into their lives--many because of romantic tales like this one--are unable or unwilling to control them and/or socialize them properly. Know the dog and know what you can handle! Learn first!

What a wonderful story. Will look forward to reading this and her other books.

As a person who lives with 4 Akitas (you don't own an Akita) I look forward to reading this book. Lucy (mom), Schroder (dad), Violet, and Chuck (the kids)are a great part of my life, each having their own personality. Their spirit and joy is a thing of beauty and I look forward to seeing them each day when I get home from work. At times they can be stubborn and want to do things their way but there is always a "meeting of the minds" with the four usually getting thier way. They are great friends and protectors and I can not imagine my life without my furry friends.

Jack,

Maybe you shouldn't generalize when you post? Any big dog can easily kill a child and an adult.

I have a 2 yr old Akita. He loves children and adults alike. It is funny to see him treat an elderly person more gentle than he does a young adult.

Jack, maybe you should back up your post with research.

Nice post - makes me want to find the nearest mountain trail and take a hike.

I nominate Shinto as the World's Official Religion. It sounds refreshingly undogmatic; it respects the earth and its living creatures; and it promotes a naturalistic, uncomplicated way of life.

I may swear off agnosticism for a time and try it out.

Akita's are beautiful dogs but since the Japanese breed a mastiff into their line they can be quite dangerous. They are not a dog that I would encourage my child to run up and hug. I think its responsible journalism to understand that this is a powerful, extremely protective animal that can easily kill an adult let alone a child.

Jon and Sally start doing some research before you romantize a breed.

Japanese? "All things in moderation except respect. Respect by the train loads, can't have too much of that but don't squander respect on that which is not respectable."

Buddhism isn't represented here because it's not faith. Buddhism is only philosophy. "Mediate" on it.

that was kind of my underlying complaint- we rarely have any buddhists guest voices- we don't even have a buddhist on the panel-

the closest is starhawk- and she's not a buddhist-
there isn't even buddhism under any tag-
the last buddhist who posted here was roger kamanetz (he wrote the jew in the lotus)

we had a speech by the dalai lama- but other than that- pretty sparse pickings.

its positive- i guess- but not informative and reads like a book promotion

Hey, at least it's something positive to read about here. This is an *interfaith* forum, and we hear so little about Shinto. If you don't know any in your town, well, consider they have a great deal in common with the Pagans that live among you, too.

People write books and then promote them, ...frankly, there's more of news about that for me than stoking 'controversy' about the media's spotlight shifted toward smear tactics.

Sell that book Ms Sherill- that's what this forum is about.