News Discussion
Helping Akita Dogs - The Legendary Faithful Breed of 'Hachiko'

Weekly News Digest
産経オンライン英会話 ニュースディスカッション教材

1
Helping Akita Dogs - The Legendary Faithful Breed of 'Hachiko'

Directions: Read the following article aloud.

Akita dogs are well known for their appearances in movies, comics, and on TV. Now a group in Akita City is on a mission to care for the aging animals.

This is the story of three of many elderly Akita dogs in need of protection in their final days. With an eye toward achieving that, a group has been conducting a fundraising drive. They are using a government-backed crowdfunding formula, through furusato nozei, Japan's hometown tax donation program.

Called "ONE FOR AKITA," the group is a general incorporated association based in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. It has been working for the protection and transfer of abandoned Akita dogs in tandem with the Akita prefectural government.

Faithful Companions
Dogs of the Akita breed are well known for their appearances in movies, TV dramas, and comics on the theme of "Hachiko." In this case, the suffix-"ko" is a term of endearment. The name "Hachiko" means "faithful dog." It is well known in English from the 2009 Hollywood film, "Hachi: A Dog's Tale."

Variously called Akita dogs, Akita inu, or simply Akita, they have also been popular pets overseas in recent years.

Ringo, Gon and Karin
There are three Akitas in our story. Ringo, an 11-year-old female is the first. Her friends are Gon, a nine-year-old male, and Karin, a female, also nine years old. Each one is different in character. Ringo is gentle. Meanwhile, Karin definitely likes being pampered, making a point of posing for the camera winsomely whenever she spots someone.

Akita dogs have a typical lifespan of around 10 years. Unfortunately, it is difficult for elderly homeless Akita dogs to find new owners because of the short period of time left to spend together and the burden of medical expenses. Another factor of concern is that the aging dogs may become stressed by a change in environment, according to ONE FOR AKITA.

Donations are currently being accepted online at Furusato Choice, the hometown tax donation program's intermediary website.

Source：Helping Akita Dogs - The Legendary Faithful Breed of 'Hachiko'
JAPAN Forward

2
Key phrases and vocabulary

Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
1. abandon 見捨てる、置き去りにする、放棄する、（計画・希望・職業などを）あきらめる・断念する
The old factory was abandoned many years ago and now stands in ruins.
2. in tandem with ～ ～と連携して・協力して・歩調を合わせて、～と並行して、～につれて
The marketing team worked in tandem with the sales team to launch the new product.
3. make a point of
決まって～する、必ず～するのを忘れない、わざわざ・あえて～する、常に～するように心がける、～を強調する
She makes a point of showcasing her stylish outfits on her Instagram.
4. burden（精神的な）重荷・負担、義務・重責、積み荷
Sharing your problems with friends can help lighten the burden.
5. concern
懸念、不安、懸案事項、関心ごと、（～にとって）興味がある・重要である、（人を）心配させる
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns about the project.

3
Questions

Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
1. What is the mission of the group “ONE FOR AKITA”?
2. How are the personalities of Ringo, Gon, and Karin described?
3. What challenges do elderly homeless Akita dogs face in finding new homes?
4. Have you been involved in or supported any similar animal welfare initiatives?
5. If you were to adopt a pet, what factors would you consider when choosing an animal, especially an elderly one?

4
高齢の「忠犬ハチ公」秋田犬に幸せな余生を　クラファンで寄付募る

飼育放棄された秋田犬の保護・譲渡活動に取り組む一般社団法人「ONE FOR AKITA」（秋田市）と秋田県は、保護された高齢の秋田犬３頭を最期まで飼い続けるために必要な資金を、ふるさと納税制度を使った「ガバメントクラウドファンディング」で募っている。秋田犬は「忠犬ハチ公」の物語などで知名度が高く、海外でも人気だ。

１１歳で雌の「りんご」、９歳雄の「ごん」と雌の「かりん」の３頭。りんごは穏やかでかりんは甘えん坊など性格も異なり、人を見つけるとカメラ目線でポーズを決めるなど愛嬌いっぱいだ。

秋田犬の寿命は１０年前後とされ、高齢犬は一緒に過ごせる期間の短さや医療費負担から新しい飼い主を見つけるのが難しく、環境が変わることでストレスがかかる懸念もある。寄付は、ふるさと納税仲介サイト「ふるさとチョイス」で受け付け中。ＵＲＬはhttps://www.furusato-tax.jp/gcf/2349

出典：高齢の「忠犬ハチ公」秋田犬に幸せな余生を　クラファンで寄付募る
JAPAN Forward
本教材は、一般社団法人ジャパンフォワード推進機構、株式会社産経デジタルより許諾を得て、産経ヒューマンラーニング株式会社が編集しています。テキストの無断転載・無断使用を固く禁じます。