The prestigious Akita Inu Preservation Society, headquartered in Japan, has integrated blockchain technology into its operations.
The society, renowned for its dedication to preserving the prized Akita dog breed, has joined forces with Meta Akita Inc., a local IT firm, and Heirloom Inc., a U.S.-based company, to introduce digital pedigree certificates on a blockchain platform.
This strategic initiative aims to revolutionize how pedigree certificates are issued, combat forgery, and simplify administrative processes for dog owners across the globe.
As reported by Japan Today, the decision to embrace blockchain technology was prompted by the society’s exponential growth in overseas membership, surging from approximately 300 individuals in 2022 to around 500 in 2023.
The alarming rise in cases of counterfeit pedigree documents, particularly in China, catalyzed this pioneering move.
Speaking to the media, a spokesperson for the Akita Inu Preservation Society emphasized the dual benefits of digitalization and blockchain integration, highlighting the unparalleled convenience and enhanced security it offers to dog owners.
“In addition to the convenience of digitalization, we hope that owners will also have peace of mind in knowing that their dog is purebred,” remarked Yuki Shoji, a board member of the society.
The revamped issuance process, facilitated through the society’s website and a dedicated smartphone application, aims to streamline document management during transit, addressing logistical challenges and expediting certificate delivery.
By leveraging blockchain technology, the society aims to provide transparent and tamper-proof pedigree certificates, reinforcing trust and authenticity within the Akita dog community.
This pioneering endeavour by the Akita Inu Preservation Society echoes similar efforts worldwide to harness blockchain’s potential in combating fraud and enhancing transparency.
Notably, in 2021, Maharashtra, a prominent state in India, adopted LegitDoc, an Ethereum blockchain-powered system, to issue digital diploma certificates, marking a significant step towards combating certificate forgery on a broader scale.
