Akita dog gets condolences across Japan

AOMORI, Japan - A popular Akita dog known for being "ugly but cute" has been receiving condolence letters from all over the country.

Wasao used to be owned by Setsuko Kikuya, the proprietor of a broiled squid shop in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, who died at the age of 73 last November. Since then, worried people have sent more than 100 messages of encouragement to the dog and Kikuya's eldest son Tadamitsu, 53.

Wasao has long been known as an "ugly but cute" dog because of his long hair and distinctive face, inspiring a photo book and a movie. An abandoned dog who used to have a rough temper, Wasao grew attached to Kikuya, who took him in, and he eventually welcomed tourists who came to the broiled squid shop Shichirinagahama Kikua Shoten to meet him.