The name Akita Inu was implemented in 1931 when the dog breed was designated as a Japanese National Monument. The Akita Inu became an internationally known dog through the story of Hachiko. He was owned by a man in Tokyo, Professor Ueno, and would walk with his master to and from Shibuya Station every day. When Hachiko was 18 months old, he waited for the Professor's return to the station, but the man had suddenly passed away while at work. Hachiko waited for his master's return, going to and from the station every day for nine years. Shortly before his death in 1934, a bronze statue was placed at the station in his honor, and he became a national symbol of loyalty.
The Akita Inu is large with a thick double coat and well-knuckled, cat-like feet that come with being adapted to cold weather. I have seen the head shaped described as both bear-like and fox-like. While the American Akita can be any color and have a mask, Akita Inu are restricted to the colors fawn, sesame, brindle, or pure white. Except for the pure white, all colors must have urajiro markings (light cream or white marks or shading) on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, and the underside of the jaw, neck, chest, body and tail, and on the inside of the legs. The breed standards are very high.
