The Akita Inu, a majestic breed native to Japan’s northern Akita Prefecture, has gained international recognition in recent years. To address growing concerns about pedigree fraud and lost documents, the Akita Inu Conservation Society is working entering the digital era. They partnered with a technology company to develop a secure system using blockchain technology, the same system that underlies cryptocurrencies.
Akita enters the global market: digital pedigrees meet international demand
The Akita Inu Protection Society has seen a surge in overseas membership, rising from 300 in 2022 to almost 500 in 2023. This international interest presents a challenge – ensuring the protected and effective delivery of pedigree certificates.
These documents, traditionally issued in paper form, were often lost in transit, especially in the case of foreign recipients. A few years ago, the public even encountered a case of forged documents in China, which highlighted the need for a more stalwart system.
Photo by Mario Cannata on Unsplash
Blockchain Unleashed: Secure Pedigrees for the Newfangled Dog Owner
Enter blockchain technology. In cooperation with local IT company Meta Akita Inc. and the American company Heirloom Inc. The dog protection association has developed a revolutionary system for issuing digital pedigree certificates.
Blockchain, known for its secure and lucid nature, creates a digital ledger that tracks every transaction – in this case, the ownership history of an Akita. This eliminates the risk of forgery as any attempt to manipulate the data would be immediately recognizable.
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The benefits go beyond safety. Digital certificates are issued via a smartphone app, drastically reducing wait times for owners compared to time-honored paper documents, which can take weeks to be delivered.
“In addition to the convenience that digitalization brings, we hope that owners will also have peace of mind knowing that their dog is purebred,” said association board member Yuki Shoji.
Looking to the future: an example of tail wagging in other breeds
The association’s approach to blockchain technology sets a precedent for other dog breed organizations around the world. As globalization connects dog lovers across borders, protected and effective pedigree management becomes increasingly vital.
This inventive approach not only protects the integrity of the Akita bloodline, but also streamlines the process for international owners. The Akita Inu Conservation Society proves that sometimes the best way to protect traditions is to look to the future.
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