Akita Society Safeguards Dog Breeds in Japan by Issuing Digital Pedigree Certificates

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The Akita Inu, a revered breed originating from Japan's northern Akita Prefecture, has garnered widespread recognition globally in recent times.

And notably, the Akita Inu Preservation Society, headquartered in Odate, Akita Prefecture, has witnessed a surge in international membership, soaring from 300 in 2022 to nearly 500 in 2023.

However, this surge in overseas interest poses a challenge: ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of pedigree certificates.

To address mounting concerns regarding pedigree forgery and document misplacement, the Akita Inu Preservation Society is embracing digital innovation.

Collaborating with a technology firm, they are developing a secure system utilising blockchain technology, the same cutting-edge system that underpins cryptocurrencies.

Traditionally distributed in paper format, these certificates were susceptible to loss during transit, particularly for recipients abroad.

The society encountered instances of forged paperwork in China, underscoring the imperative for a more robust and secure system.

Blockchain Meets Pedigree

In collaboration with Meta Akita Inc., a local IT firm, and Heirloom Inc., a US-based company, the Akita Inu Preservation Society has spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to implement a digital pedigree certificate system using blockchain technology.

Blockchain, renowned for its robust security and transparent characteristics, establishes a digital ledger that meticulously records every transaction, including the ownership lineage of Akita dogs.

This approach eradicates the risk of forgery, as any attempt to manipulate the data would be readily detectable.

The advantages of this system extend far beyond enhanced security.

Prospective certificate applicants can conveniently submit their requests directly through the preservation society's website.

Digital certificates are seamlessly issued via a dedicated smartphone application, significantly reducing the processing time for owners compared to the traditional paper-based documentation, which often incurred lengthy delays.

Society board member Yuki Shoji said:

"In addition to the convenience of digitalisation, we hope that owners will also have peace of mind in knowing that their dog is purebred."

Source: Digital Pedigree Application on Akita Inu Preservation Society's Website

The website explains in detail, what a digital pedigree is, and how blockchain technology is incorporated.

Source: Digital Pedigree Application How-To's

Is Blockchain Technology a Fool-Proof Way?

By leveraging blockchain technology, the issue of pedigree forgery and document misplacement can be effectively addressed.

Blockchain provides a secure and transparent system for tracking the ownership history of pedigrees, eliminating the risk of tampering or forgery.

Additionally, digital certificates issued through blockchain technology can be accessed and verified easily, reducing the likelihood of documents being misplaced or lost in transit.

However, while blockchain technology offers numerous benefits in terms of security and efficiency, it is not without its challenges and potential risks.

One potential danger is the risk of cyber attacks or hacking, which could compromise the integrity of the blockchain system and lead to unauthorised access or manipulation of pedigree data.

Additionally, there may be concerns related to privacy and data protection, as blockchain transactions are immutable and permanent, raising questions about the confidentiality of sensitive information stored on the blockchain.

Overall, while blockchain technology offers promising solutions to pedigree-related challenges, it is important to carefully consider and address any potential risks or vulnerabilities associated with its implementation.