JP Westies - where we are

We are almost half-way into 2012.

At the beginning of the year, I was anxious to find JP Westie's figure for 2011

by JKC (Japan Kennel Club).

Last year our life was severely affected by the big earthquake.

All dog shows were cancelled in Japan from March - June,

and the nation was not in a state to enjoy or breed dogs.

The above chart shows annual registration numbers with JKC for pure-bred dogs in Japan
and 2011 is by far the lowest.

Continued decline in registration numbers may be due to JP market saturation,

or less interest in pure-bred dogs,
or increase in adoption....?

Westie registrations have declined as well, but in a more sharp manner!

Westie, or terrier breeds are adored in Japan, 

but liking them does not mean owning one necessarily.

JP owners are not getting westies
maybe because there are fewer breeders recently?
or because it is not trendy any more and people prefer other breeds?

Breed Ranking

In the 90's, westie breed was ranking around 20th for popularity in Japan,
but it has steadily slipped and it is below 30th now.

This means even in Tokyo you do not run into westies often....

Angie today

'Am I becoming a rare breed in Japan?  I hope to see more westies!'

Angie goes to Japanese Ryokan (inn)

When the two-legged go to Japanese Ryokan (inn)

Saryosoen, Sendai 2009

On arrival you change into Yukata, a casual kimono,

and take a hot spring bath

and take it easy

Dinner is served privately in your room
and it is sheer luxury

Some Japanese Ryokans can receive four-legged guests
so Angie stayed at Ryokans a few times

Shuzenji, Izu 2012

Japanese Garden

Angie takes a stroll at the Japanese Garden with Dad
and then takes an open-air bath

Hot spring experience

Angie in Yukata

Like Mom & Dad she changes into Yukata

Angie's Dinner

Angie's dinner is served (with menu signed by the chef!) which are

Tofu hamburg with vegetables, egg and soy milk soup, black rice risotto

Waiting...........

She is not quite used to the three food bowls  

Ryokan meals are beautifully arranged

and she finished them all in the end

Japanese Ryokan with hot spring is a wonderful experience 

no matter how many legs you have

A short break at Mt. Fuji

Golden Week has started and

we visited Mt. Fuji lake district last weekend.

It's only 100km south east of Tokyo with easy access.

Mt. Fuji is 3333m high

but today we will only go up to the 5th station.

 Angie is wearing an official football uniform.

Japan won the Women's World Cup Final in 2011.

This is a must-have item for Tokyo Westies for London Olympics this summer.

The 5th station of Mt.Fuji was pretty much covered with snow and still cold,
but we had gorgeous sunshine.

Wild Bird Forest Park

Spring prevails at the foot of the mountain.

This was a breath-takingly beautiful park with flowers in full bloom.

For a minute I thought/I wished Rainbow Bridge may be a place like this....

only we did not see dogs here.

Next to the park lies Jukai (Sea of Trees) 

 the vast natural forest that sits on lava from Mt Fuji.

It is so big that one must be careful not to be lost.

We chose the easiest trail for the short legged, ( I meant for Angie!)

Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji

After the trail, we went to Lake Kawaguchi

that still had Sakura in full bloom.

Angie was getting comfortable after a good exercise.

Good weather, good air, beautiful nature,

we all enjoyed this short break.