Akira Saito began raising Akita dogs in 1975 while in the first year of junior high school and joined the Akita Dog Preservation Society (AKIHO) in May 1977. In the same year, he registered his kennel name, Kantō Tōkō (関東藤光). In 1990, his beloved dog Hanakagami-go (花鏡号) received the prestigious AKIHO Honor Medal Award (名誉章) at the 86th AKIHO Main Exhibition.

From 1992 to 1996, he served as a judging department member in another organization before becoming a member of the AKIHO Judging Department in February 1999. He was appointed Vice Director of the AKIHO Judging Department in June 2010 and later served as Director (Head) of the AKIHO Judging Department from June 2018 until January 2026. Since January 2026, he has continued his work as Vice Director of the AKIHO Judging Department.

With nearly five decades dedicated to the Akita breed, he has been an AKIHO member since 1977 and an AKIHO judge since 1999. Throughout his career, he has produced at least one AKIHO Honor Medal-winning dog and multiple Tokuyū-class dogs, contributing significantly to the preservation and development of the Akita.

Nobuji Tsutsui joined the Akita Dog Preservation Society (AKIHO) on January 29, 1986, beginning a long-standing involvement with the organization and the Akita breed. After ten years of experience and dedication, he was appointed as an AKIHO judge on February 4, 1996.

Since becoming a judge, he has been actively involved in the evaluation and promotion of Akitas in accordance with AKIHO standards. His many years of service have made him a respected figure within the organization and among Akita enthusiasts.

Outside of his activities in the dog world, his hobby is watching baseball games. His decades of commitment to AKIHO and the Akita breed reflect his passion and dedication to preserving and promoting this traditional Japanese breed.