Symbol of Japan-Russia 'Dog Diplomacy', Akita 'Yume' Passes Away from Old Age

Central News Agency (Tokyo, 16th, comprehensive foreign wire report) The Russian President's office confirmed to Japanese media that 'Yume', an Akita dog gifted by Japan's Akita Prefecture to President Putin over a decade ago, passed away last year due to old age. This female dog had appeared at Japan-Russia leadership meetings, becoming a symbol of dog diplomacy.

The 'Yomiuri Shimbun' reported today that when interviewed, the Russian President's office replied, 'Yume passed away in 2025 due to old age,' and expressed condolences. The report pointed out that Yume might have been kept at the presidential residence in the suburbs of the Russian capital, Moscow. Her exact date of death is unclear.

Vladimir Putin is widely known as a dog lover.

In 2012, to thank Russia for helping Japan after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the then-governor of Akita Prefecture gifted this Akita dog to Putin.

In February 2014, when the then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Japan-Russia leadership talks in the Russian southern city of Sochi, this dog accompanied Putin to welcome Abe's visit, playing a role in building an atmosphere of 'Japan-Russia friendship' previously.

The report pointed out that if Yume were still alive, she would have turned 14 on April 24.

The Russian President's office told the 'Yomiuri Shimbun' in January last year, 'She (Yume) is quite spirited, has a mischievous but loyal personality, and has always brought joy to the President at the residence.' (Compiler: Yang Wei-jing) 1150516