Akita dogs
Symbol of loyalty turned into a sign of the times, but Tokyo authorities ask people to stop.
The iconic green train car that sits in front of Shibuya Station’s Hachiko statue is finding a new home.
When we recently came across an adorable Shiba Inu peering out of a wall of shrubbery and an Akita dog poking his nose out of a hole in the wall, we figured these were one-off, rare sightings, much like the sight of a hedgehog riding on the back of a rubber duck or a cat dressed in an elegant kimono.
But it turns out we were just scratching the surface of a well-known pastime in the canine world, which involves dogs of all shapes and sizes squeezing themselves into holes in walls to catch a whiff of what’s going on outside. And no dog is immune to the trend, with bulldogs, collies and beagles getting in on the cute act too!
We tend to think of silly Internet and photo memes as being strictly a human pastime, but is it possible that our pets, in an attempt to further increase their influence over online culture, have decided to get in on the act? The answer may be yes, since after a pair of Shiba Inu captured our hearts by squeezing themselves into narrow garden spaces, this member of the breed’s domestic rival, the Akita dog, is getting in on the trend with a bit of Tetris-style contortionism as he pops out from a garden wall.






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Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
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Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
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Crazy-cheap Tokyo lunch: All-you-can-eat curry rice for 220 yen (US$1.40)!
The other side of Shibuya Station has a great restaurant for trying tamagokakegohan
Faced with a dilemma of choosing between Korean or Japanese makeup, Meg decides to do both【Pics】
Elephant nose ice cream: The treat with a trunk
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Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
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Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
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Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Crazy-cheap Tokyo lunch: All-you-can-eat curry rice for 220 yen (US$1.40)!
The other side of Shibuya Station has a great restaurant for trying tamagokakegohan
Faced with a dilemma of choosing between Korean or Japanese makeup, Meg decides to do both【Pics】
Elephant nose ice cream: The treat with a trunk
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Kura Sushi wants to see you smile for a chance to win prizes
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Room 404: What happened when we stayed in an unlucky hotel room in Japan
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
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Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms