Akita Inu Dog Breeders in Japan

Phew, this website is a labor of love and largely a one-woman show so unless indicated, all articles written by J.Tsukamoto

The Akita Inu, also known as the Japanese Akita (as opposed to the American Akita), can be a difficult breed to find in the United States.

Reserved and dignified, the Akita Inu is a wonderful companion to have around the house. It’s no wonder you’re searching for one!

However, it also makes sense to find a puppy that comes straight from the source—Japan.

Finding and purchasing a puppy from a breeder in Japan is not only doable, it is highly recommended if you want a strong bloodline and the best traits. 

Today, we are going to look at reputable Akita Inu dog breeders in Japan that aren’t related to puppy mills in any way.

These are breeders with a history and reputation, as well as awards for numerous show dogs to their name.

The Akita Inu - A Loyal Dog With a Massive Presence

The Akita Inu (秋田犬) is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in Japan. It is known for its strong and independent nature, as well as its loyalty and devotion to its family.

Akita Inu are renowned for their dignified and courageous demeanor, which has made them popular as symbols of good health, happiness, and long life in Japanese culture.

Historically, Akita Inu were used for guarding royalty and nobility in Japan. They were also utilized for hunting large game, such as bears and boars.

Akitas have a distinctive appearance, characterized by their bear-like head, small, triangular eyes, and erect, triangular ears.

They have a thick double coat that comes in various colors, including red, white, brindle, and sesame.

Due to their strength and dominant personalities, Akitas require early socialization and consistent training.

They are known to be loyal and affectionate with their family members but can be reserved and aloof with strangers.

Proper training and socialization are crucial to ensure that they grow into well-mannered and well-behaved adult dogs.

Akita Inu Dog Breeders in Japan

While there are many types of puppies available in Japan, finding the reputable breeders is a bit more difficult.

Many websites aimed at overseas buyers like yourself tend to receive their puppies from over-cramped mills, so you never truly know the health or background of the puppy.

Puppy "shops" are unfortunately also very common in Japan. These shops sell puppies cramped in small cubicles and "displayed" to anyone willing to play the high prices these shops command.

Undoubtedly, most of the puppies sold at Japanese puppy shops also come from puppy mill like situations. 

When choosing the following breeders, we considered their history, show history and awards, recent activity, state of the facilities, and whether they are a registered business.

Akita Inu Breeders Located in Japan:

1. Miyagi Kozaki Kensha

Miyagi Kozaki Kensha is one of the biggest and most well-known dog breeders in Japan and has been a part of the Akita Inu Honzon Kai (Akiho) since 1969.

Miyagi Kozaki has many award-winning male and female dogs of various colors, resulting in gorgeous puppies with strong bloodlines and excellent health. 

Their facilities are state of the art, and all the dogs are loved. 

Out of all the Akita breeders in Japan, Miyagi Kozaki Kensha is one of the few with a dedicated English page on their website. 

The breeder is knowledgeable in the process of importing a puppy into the US from Japan, which is advantageous for you.

2. Daikanto Kensha

Located in Saitama Prefecture, just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Tokyo, is Daikanto Kensha. Daikanto Kensha opened in 2011. The breeder focuses solely on breeding Akita Inu.

 Typically only one litter is born and raised at a time, and the puppies go fast.

 If you are interested in seeing if puppies are available, either check online (the breeder posts pictures) or send the breeder a message. 

3. Noshiro Kojuso

4. Matsunaga Kensha

For 30 years, Matsunaga Kensha has been devoting to breeding only the best Japanese Akita around. Located in Chiba Prefecture,

Matsunaga Kensha is a proactive member of the breeding community, having raised beautiful dogs that win numerous dog shows and countless hearts.

The facilities are bright, clean, and even air conditioned. Their male dogs are all a stunning red and white, with expressive eyes.

Like Miyagi Kozaki Kensha, this breeder has experience in dealing with the export of their puppies, making them a good choice for your next Akita Inu.

5. Kuriyama Kensha

6. Nakagawa Chikukenten

Found in Osaka, Nakagawa Chikukenten is a popular breeder known throughout Japan for their quality puppies and status as the “King of Akita Inu.”

Due to the high demand for their puppies, the breeder sells directly to you and will work with you to get your puppy across the ocean and into your arms.

The puppies are guaranteed to have strong pedigrees and socialization, as well. 

Out of all the breeders on this list, Nakagawa Chikukenten stands out for showing the pedigree certificate within the puppy gallery.

The papers have all been stamped by the JKC, which gives you some peace of mind when selecting your next furry companion.

7. Ibaraki Shuku Kensha

Also known for their incredibly cute Shiba Inu puppies, Ibaraki Shuku Kensha also has Akita Inu pups available.

The family-owned business was started by the father and has been taken over by the son, who has inherited the same passion for dogs.

In other words, any puppy you get from here is going to have been loved and socialized from the moment he or she was born.

The breeder strives to raise healthy puppies with a strong pedigree. They regularly attend shows and have won awards throughout the years. 

While information is available on the website, the breeder posts any updates about puppies on their Instagram page (@akita_shiba_ibarakishukukensha).

8. Masaki Sato Kensha

Akita Inu breeder Masaki Sato has been a member of Akita Inu Honzon Kai since 1999 and has raised purebred puppies with care for many years.

Being that the facilities he uses are small, Sato works with only one litter at a time. The puppies Masaki Sato Kensha sells are well-loved and socialized.

He also routinely shows his dogs throughout Japan. If you would like more information, the breeder asks for DMs on either Facebook or Instagram (@masaki_sato_daaa).

9. Yokohama Shirogane 

Yokohama Shirogane is run by Kezuka Kazuo. The breeder specializes in silver brindle and brindle Akita Inu.

Although relatively new to the breeding scene, Yokohama Shirogane is a registered business and has dogs with a strong pedigree available.

You can learn more about the breeder and see when the next puppies will be arriving by checking Facebook or Instagram. You can also follow the daily shenanigans of Kezuka’s dog Ginmaru and the rest of the pack.

10. Satsuma Hitomi Kensha

Satsuma Hitomi is an Akita Inu and Shiba Inu breeder located in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu.

Satsuma has been working as a breeder since 2012, after buying enough land to fulfill a dream of being surrounded by her family—both human and dog. 

Since then, Satsuma Hitomi Kensha has become a recognized figure in the world of Akita and Shiba Inu. You can check out the oodles of puppy photos on her Instagram or peruse her Ameblo blog, where updates are added weekly.

Final Thoughts on Reputable Akita Inu Breeders in Japan

The Akita Inu is a distinguished and beautiful breed.

Finding a puppy from Japan to bring home will make owning one all the more incredible, don’t you agree? 

However, it's of utmost importance that you take the time to research breeders to ensure your new Akita pup is healthy, happy, and ready for their new loving home!

Hopefully the information we provided will help start you off in the right direction. 

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