Maru is the world's most famous Shiba Inu, with over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. Having traveled all over Japan, spreading his adorable smile, Maru heads north from Tokyo on the Tohoku Expressway. His journey ends in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, home to the original idol dog, Wasao-senpai. This is the story of a winter journey through Tohoku, featuring two star dogs.
When Maru walks, smiles abound. I went to Tohoku!
"Maru ♡ So cute!" "Look this way!" Maru is popular wherever he goes. When Maru announced on Twitter (now X) that he was suddenly heading to Matsushima, he attracted over 100 fans. It turns out that many dog lovers had gathered from Sendai, Fukushima, Yamagata, Niigata, and Tokyo to meet Maru.
When Maru puts his hand up, the crowd applauds. When Maru runs, everyone runs too! Surrounded by fans, Maru calmly poses for commemorative photos. "Maru's charm is that he's so round!" "His gentle smile is soothing." The enthusiasm of the people who gathered that day embodied the excitement on his Instagram, which is overflowing with comments from all over the world.
Among dog lovers, Shiba Inu dogs are said to be wary of humans and other dogs, but Maru, who is round and charming and also smiles a lot, may indeed be a special presence. "It all started with the Great East Japan Earthquake. I started posting photos of Maru on social media, which was filled with anxiety and rumors.
Given the climate at the time, it would not have been surprising if this situation was perceived as inappropriate, but I did it with the hope that it would ease people's anxieties even a little and make those who saw it smile just like Maru's," says "Papa" (Ono Shinjiro), and perhaps knowing his feelings, Maru was greeted by passersby everywhere we went, and gently entrusted to their outstretched hands. With fluffy snow falling across Tohoku and many smiles blooming, the car sped down the winter Tohoku Expressway towards Aomori Prefecture, where Wasao was waiting.
When Maru appears, the sound of camera shutters never stops. 
He is surrounded by female college students sightseeing in Matsushima and is all lovey-dovey. 
The lady at the cafeteria will give you something delicious!? 
The freshly grilled sasakama is licked up with gusto. 
A commemorative photo with a child who was very interested in Maru at the SA. 
Dogs are allowed to stay at Matsushima Century Hotel. 
The polar bear is always with me on my travels. 
Looking out at the morning glow, Ah, Matsushima... Just kidding.
I cautiously crossed the openwork bridge at Godaido, a famous landmark in Matsushima. 
Maru is captivated by the Shiwa SA specialty, Kobiru Yaki. 
Say hello to the giant sasakama from Abe Kamaboko Shop! 
At the hotel. Maru was very happy with the spacious Japanese-style room.
City boy Maru, seaman Wasao. A silent conversation between two men.
During that time, the two cats never made eye contact. The atmosphere became tense. It was a tension he had never experienced before. Before his very eyes was Wasao. A man who had endured the harsh winds and snow of the Sea of Japan and lived through hardships day after day, his figure was large and dignified. But his eyes were calm and gentle. Maru showed interest in his large, fluffy companion and moved a little closer. But Wasao never turned his face towards him.
The moment Maru gave up and turned his back, Wasao glanced at him for the first time. Sensing someone's gaze on his back, Maru turned around. Wasao quickly looked away again. How long did this silent battle continue? Wasao's "mother," Kikutani Setsuko, who had been watching the situation intently, spoke up.
"Wasao is quiet but kind. He's no match for humans. Because he's experienced hunger, he always leaves half of his food for other dogs and cats, and he never barks at creatures weaker than him."
In 2007, Wasao was a stray dog who was rescued by Setsuko. He gained popularity as the "cute but ugly dog that became a hot topic on the internet," and starred in the film "Wasao" (2011), which featured him, making him an instant star. He still lives at Shichiri Nagahama Kikuya Shoten, a grilled squid shop in Ajigasawa. Wasao is a rare long-haired Akita dog, but it is said that he never uses his natural strength to no avail.
At that moment, it was as if the wind had picked up. Maru groaned and barked for the first time. It was the only time Maru had barked during the entire journey. Perhaps he could no longer bear the anxiety and tension of the large presence before him. Wasao did not ignore Maru's desperate barking, instead turning his calm profile towards him. Suddenly, Ono-san held out his hand to Wasao so that he could smell it, and they exchanged greetings, saying, "Nice to meet you." Setsuko followed, stroking Maru vigorously and saying, "Thank you for coming all the way." From that moment on, the atmosphere surrounding the two dogs felt a change.
"People don't train dogs. Dogs train and raise them. In fact, there is a lot we can teach them," says Ono. The two owners have always had the same feelings about their dogs. They don't impose their own convenience on their dogs, and they rarely interfere in the interactions between the dogs.
It is unclear what kind of conversation the two exchanged. However, while maintaining a certain distance between them, their eyes seemed to have calmed down at some point, as if they had accepted each other. Maru's expression as he left Ajigasawa was one of strength and masculinity beneath its cuteness.
We arrived at Ajigasawa with our faces resting on the door mirror. 
Wasao with the sea in the background. He has a presence reminiscent of Takakura Ken. 
Maru runs, Wasao watching over him.
There are photos with celebrities, including his co-stars from the movie. 
Wasao's special seat is in the back of the store's light truck.
