The Akita Inu, a majestic breed native to Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, has gained international fame in recent years. To combat growing concerns about genealogy falsification and lost records, the Akita Inu Preservation Society is enter the digital age. They partnered with a technology company to develop a secure system using blockchain technology, the same system that underpins cryptocurrencies.
Akita goes global: digital pedigrees meet international demand
THE Akita Inu Preservation Society has seen an increase in foreign members, with numbers rising from 300 in 2022 to nearly 500 in 2023. This international interest presents a challenge: ensuring the safe and efficient issuance of ancestry certificates.
Traditionally issued on paper, these documents risked being lost during transport, particularly for foreign recipients. The company even faced a case of fake documents in China a few years ago, highlighting the need for a more robust system.
Photo by Mario Cannata on Unsplash
Blockchain Unleashed: secure pedigrees for the modern dog owner
Enter blockchain technology. In partnership with Meta Akita Inc., a local IT company, and Heirloom Inc., an American company, the dog preservation society has developed a revolutionary system for issuing digital ancestry certificates.
Blockchain, known for its secure and transparent nature, creates a digital ledger that tracks every transaction – in this case, the ownership history of an Akita. This eliminates the risk of tampering, as any attempt to tamper with data would be immediately recognizable.
Bitcoin is currently trading at $63.730. Chart: TradingView
The benefits go beyond security. Digital certificates are issued via a smartphone app, significantly reducing the waiting time for owners compared to traditional paper documents which can take weeks to arrive.
“In addition to the convenience of scanning, we hope that owners will also have peace of mind knowing that their dog is purebred,” said Yuki Shoji, a member of the company’s board of directors.
Looking Ahead: An Example of Tail Wagging for Other Breeds
The company’s foray into blockchain technology sets a precedent for other dog breed organizations around the world. As globalization continues to connect dog lovers across borders, safe and effective pedigree management becomes increasingly crucial.
This innovative approach not only protects the integrity of Akita bloodlines, but also streamlines the process for international owners. One way or another, the Akita Inu Preservation Society proves that sometimes the best way to protect tradition is to embrace the future.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
