One day, a cute puppy came to the home of the hunter Mine Yakuro in Sakamoto Village (present-day Sakamoto District of Mihama Town). Yakuro rejoiced, saying: “The wolf I helped in the mountains six months ago has given me her cub as thanks.” He named the cub “Man” and lovingly raised him. Once fully grown, Man joined Yakuro when he went hunting. Man became such an outstanding hunting dog that even Yakuro was surprised, and he became famous throughout the area.
However, Yakuro was visited by his aunt one night, who said: “There's a rumor that Man is a wolf cub, is that true? It's said that a wolf will attack even its master once it has killed 1,000 living creatures. Since Man hunts, won't he reach 1,000 kills soon?”—Hearing this from outside, Man was filled with sorrow and began howling at the night sky. After that night, Yakuro never saw Man again.
Believed to have originated in Mihama Town, the Kishu-Ken is a dog breed known for its fierce loyalty and outstanding athletic ability. These dogs are said to be Man's descendants.
