There is a famous Japanese tale about Hachiko, an Akita, who waited at the Shibuya train station for his deceased owner every afternoon for 9 years and 9 months, hoping he would return. Hachiko is celebrated as a Japanese symbol of loyalty and fidelity

Helen Keller heard the story of Hachiko and became interested in owning one, and thus was presented with the first two Akitas to ever be brought to the United States.

In the 17th century, only the Imperial family and Japanese aristocracy were allowed to own Akitas; they were bestowed with intricate feeding rituals and ornamental leashes. In the 19th century, Emperor Taisho made it so that anyone could own an Akita.