Photo/Illutration Shizuyoshi Kikuya, husband of Setsuko Kikuya, with the statue of Wasao at its unveiling ceremony in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, on Nov. 8 (Yoshinori Hayashi)

AJIGASAWA, Aomori Prefecture--A statue of a dog that grabbed the hearts of many in Japan for its "busa-kawa" (ugly-cute) looks was unveiled here on Nov. 8 before dozens of eagerly waiting fans.

The long-haired Akita dog named Wasao died in June last year at the presumed age of 13.

The bronze statue was set up in this coastal town where its keeper, Setsuko Kikuya, came across the stray dog for the first time in 2007 and then adopted him.

Wasao soon became a mascot for her grilled squid shop.

After he was featured in numerous blogs and TV shows, Wasao became known nationwide.

Ajigasawa named Wasao as special ambassador to promote the town. A film with Wasao in it as the main character was released at movie theaters across Japan in 2011.

After the dog died, the executive committee for Wasao Arigato (Thank you, Wasao) was established to create a statue in memory and appreciation of the dog that played such a crucial role in promoting the town.

The committee raised 5.34 million yen ($47,000) for the statue from supporters all over Japan.

Kikuya, who passed away in 2017, had also hoped that a statue of the dog would be created.

Among the people who gathered for the unveiling ceremony were the town's mayor and Kikuya's eldest son, Tadamitsu, who was impressed by the way the statue turned out.

“I couldn't be happier with the statue,” he said. “It's a faithful re-creation of Wasao with its fluffy coat, ears and expression.”

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