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Wasao, a famous Akita Inu dog in Japan, passed away on June 9th, at the age of nearly 13 years, equivalent to 90 human years, according to the Japan Times. In Japan, Wasao was known for his fluffy white fur, adorable appearance, and loyalty. He was often called "busa kawaii" by his hometown residents, a slang term combining the Japanese words "busaiku" (ugly) and "kawaii" (cute).
Wasao became widely known for her story of being abandoned and wandering across Japan before being adopted.
In 2007, Wasao was found sick and abandoned in the town of Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture. Setsuko, the owner of a local grocery store, took the dog in and cared for him. Since then, Wasao has lived in the loving care of his owner. Later, Wasao became famous thanks to images posted on blogs and frequent appearances on Japanese television, as well as on the covers of magazines and photo books.
Wasao the dog with fluffy white fur and squinty eyes, unlike his friends, is also known as busa kawaii, meaning cute ugliness.
In 2011, the film Wasao, starring the dog as the main character to tell his life story, was released in Japan, making the dog even more famous and beloved by people across the country.
Wasao movie poster
In the same year, Wasao became the station master at Ajigasawa Station. The local authorities also appointed Wasao's "wife," Tsubaki, as the deputy station master, and his "daughter," Chome, as an intern at the station.
Wasao's small family has gained a large following on social media thanks to their adorable appearance.
In addition, the dog also serves as an ambassador for promoting tourism and culture in the region. When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in 2011, Wasao appeared in the devastated areas to encourage the people after the disaster.
The Wasao Project, the group supporting the dog, said Wasao's health deteriorated in late April. His advanced age made him unable to walk on his own and he had a poor appetite. By June, Wasao's condition had worsened.
“Thank you for everything. I feel proud to have been a part of Wasao's life, to have been part of his family,” said Tadamitsu Kikuya, a town council member, after the dog's passing. Residents of Ajigasawa are expected to hold a memorial service for the dog that had been a part of the community for many years.
