Japan’s Akita dog society embraces blockchain technology to combat forgery
A dog society in Japan has taken a unique approach to enhance convenience and authenticity for dog owners by issuing digital pedigree certificates on a blockchain network. The Akita Inu Preservation Society, based in Japan, has partnered with local IT firm Meta Akita Inc. and US-based Heirloom Inc. to develop this initiative, aimed at combating forgery and streamlining administrative processes.
According to a report by Japan Today, the decision to embrace blockchain technology came after the society’s overseas membership grew from around 300 people in 2022 to approximately 500 in 2023. With this rapid expansion, coupled with reports of forged pedigree documents in China, the society recognized the need for a more secure and efficient system.
To address logistical hurdles, the dog society has digitized document management during transit. Through their website and a dedicated smartphone app, owners can access the revamped issuance process, making certificate delivery faster and providing reassurance about their dogs’ pedigrees.
The use of blockchain technology to transparently track transactions has long been recognized as one of its fundamental use cases. In a similar vein, India’s Maharashtra state adopted LegitDoc, an Ethereum blockchain-powered system developed by Crossforge Solutions Pvt Ltd, to combat certificate forgery cases by issuing digital diploma certificates.
In other news, an iconic dog photo from the Dogwifhat meme coin recently sold as an NFT at auction for $25,000.
