Hi, Junko from Japan here! Looking for an amazing name for your new Japanese Akita companion? When it comes to Akita dogs, a faithful dog Hachi is famous, and you must know him or watch the movie if you love Japanese Akita.
But did you know there were some more amazing Akita in Japan? In this post, I’ll share with you some meaningful Japanese Akita names after legendary dogs!
KAMIKAZE-GO: The Divine Wind
KAMIKAZE-GO is the name that was given to Hellen Keller when she came to Japan in 1937. She visited Japan to encourage handicapped people and took one Akita dog back named KAMIKAZE-GO.
The KAMIKAZE-GO literally means “the god wind” in Japanese. He became the first Japanese Akita that went to the United States.
The word GO means “number” or “issue” and is used as a suffix for vehicles such as ships and airplanes.
It’s also used for racehorses, police dogs, and military dogs while we usually don’t use it for pet dogs. I think both KAMIKAZE-GO and KAMIKAZE alone (without GO) make sense, which applies all other names with GO too.
KENZAN-GO: The Sword Mountain
KENZAN-GO is the second dog presented to Hellen Keller. Unfortunately, Kamikaze-go died of disease shortly after he went to the US. KENZAN-GO departed to the US to comfort Hellen’s deep grief.
The word KENZAN means “sword mountain” in Japanese Kanji letters. He was an older brother of Kamikaze-go. Hellen’s letter sent to Japan tells how he happily and actively lived with Hekken.
KONGO-GO: The Diamond
The word KONGO is originally from a Buddhist word that stands for the hardest stone. Now it’s considered a diamond.
KONGO-GO is one of the finest dogs in Japanese Akita history. His lineage was called Kongo-line and praised as “your dog can’t be a true Akita if it’s not the Kongo-line.”
It’s said the Kongo-line dogs were brought to the US and became the origin of the current American Akita.
GOROMARU-GO: The Fifth Boy
GOROMARU-GO is another fine dog that appeared after Kongo-go. The word GO means “five” in Japanese, and the name GOROMARU is a typical and classic name for boys.
GOROMASU is known as the origin of the Japanese Akita restoration, and his lineage left many great dogs as well as Kongo-go.
MOKU: The Strongest Akita in the Edo Era
An old tale in Akita prefecture tells about a legendary Akita dog named MOKU. MOKU was known for his amazing strength. He could run two children on his back, and never lose to fights even when he confronted three dogs at one time.
It’s said he was owned by a Jooji Buddhist temple in Akita prefecture. The temple still exists and shows beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Here’s the short movie that shot the temple where MOKU lived!
TACHIBANA-GO: Japanese Citrus
TACHIBANA-GO is a female Akita dog that became a model of a Japanese stamp issued in 1953. She has an amazing tail and looks so confident!
The word TACHIBANA represents the Citrus trees Tachibana that bloom small white flowers. It’s been loved by noble Japanese families and used for the family name and family crest designs.
Names after AKita’s Hair Colors
The names I mentioned so far are almost for boys. They’re cool, but If you prefer more adorable ones, how about the names after hair colors? It’s the most typical naming method for pets in Japan.
All the names are simple and easy to call, which makes it easier for dogs too to understand and recognize their names. Also, they’re all gender-free and available for both female and male dogs!
AKA: Red (Brown Hair)
The most basic hair color of Japanese Akita is called AKA, literally meaning “red” in Japanese. The actual color is orange-ish brown, not red, but the brown Akita dogs are traditionally called “red” dogs.
TORA: Tiger (Tiger Hair)
TORA means “tiger” and the dogs with the tiger-like pattern are called “tiger hair.” Additionally, the reddish one is called AKATORA (red tiger), and KUROTORA (black tiger) is for the black-ish one.
SHIRO: White
SHIRO is white. In Akita prefecture which is the origin of Akita dogs, white dogs were believed to be especially faithful to their masters.
In the old days, the hunter family in Akita prefecture had the custom to have a white Akita since it served well.
GOMA: Sesame (Mixed Hair)
GOMA literally means “sesame” and is used to represent the mixed color hair, with mainly red (brown) and some black. GOMA hair is so rare that it seldom appears in modern times.
Related Posts about Japanese Names
48 Perfect Japanese Dog Names: 100% Accurate & Meaningful
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7 Amazing Japanese Names That Mean STAR
Read More: Japanese Names: Authentic and Meaningful Guide by a Native Speaker
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