Japan's exports of canine cuties soar

Foreign ownership of Akita breed outstripping domestic demand

TAKASAKI, Japan - Hollywood actor Richard Gere, French film star Alain Delon and Russian figure-skating sensation Alina Zagitova have one thing in common: They adore Japan's Akita dogs.

And they're not alone. In recent years, foreign ownership of one of Japan's most famous indigenous breeds has skyrocketed, outstripping domestic demand for the fluffy, perky eared pooches.