Yume, the Akita Dog Gifted to President Putin, Passes Away at 13

It has been revealed that Yume, a female Akita dog gifted to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Akita Prefecture, passed away in 2025 due to old age. The Kremlin confirmed the news in response to inquiries from media outlets including Kyodo News. Yume was presented to the President in 2012 as a token of gratitude for Russia's assistance following the Great East Japan Earthquake and was widely known as his beloved companion.

The presidential office stated, "It is sad news, but Yume passed away due to advanced age." While the exact date of death and burial site were not disclosed, she would have reached the age of 14 in April 2026, marking a full lifespan for a large breed.

Yume occasionally appeared alongside the President at official events at his residence, with footage often showing her standing faithfully by his side. Following the news, many social media users expressed their condolences, with comments such as, "She worked hard to bring joy to the President in a foreign land," and "The President's affection for animals was truly heartfelt."

With the previous passing of Mir, the cat gifted to Akita Prefecture by Putin, the symbolic figures of animal-based diplomacy between Japan and Russia have now all departed. True to her name "Yume" (meaning "Dream"), she will likely remain in the hearts of many as a symbol of a former era of friendship.

The Context: Japan's "Dog Diplomacy"

The gift of Yume in 2012 was a prominent example of Japan's "dog diplomacy." Akita Prefecture, the home of the Akita breed—famous worldwide for the story of Hachiko—sent the puppy to President Putin to thank Russia for sending rescue teams and aid after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In a reciprocal gesture, Putin gifted a Siberian forest cat named "Mir" (meaning "Peace") to the Governor of Akita. These exchanges took place during a period of relatively warmer diplomatic relations. The Akita dog is designated as a National Natural Treasure in Japan and is a powerful symbol of loyalty and Japanese heritage.