Wasao, a popular dog with odd looks, in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, on Oct. 18, 2010 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
AJIGASAWA, Aomori Prefecture A long-haired Akita Inu dog renowned for its busa-kawa (ugly-cute) looks is to be immortalized in bronze in his hometown here, just like the world-renowned Hachiko statue in front of Tokyo s Shibuya Station.
Wasao, the town s promotional mascot, died in June last year, prompting a drive for donations to create a monument in his honor.
The executive committee for the Wasao Arigato (Thank-you Wasao) project said it has raised 5.34 million yen ($48,700) so far.
The pattern for the life-size statue of the dog in a sitting position will be produced by Mio Hashimoto, a sculptor based in Mie Prefecture known for wooden animal carvings, while the statue itself will be crafted by Kurotani Bijutsu Ltd., a company in Toyama Prefecture involved in the creation of many monuments.