There is a "sport" in Japan that resembles the Pit Bull fighting of North America, but with several distinct differences. Unlike Pit Bull fighting, which is illegal,the fighting of Japanese Tosa-Inu dogs is a highly publicized, legal and a celebrated part of Japanese culture. These fights are performed in expensive venues, and are even a popular tourist attaction. Another difference is the fact that Tosa's do not fight to death and they are much larger than a Pit Bull with males averaging 160-200 lbs. From the Tosa web site:

"Everyday they transport this Tosa to the Tosa Fighting Center. He is placed in center of the ring wearing the ceremonial headress. The public can then appreciate the retired and undefeated champion. Tourist like to go to Kochi City to experience and learn about Tosas and the Samuri. They take many photos of this magnificent Tosa champion. The champion is then removed from the ring, then the fighting begins between two other opponents and no others."

This dog fighting is governed by the Tosa Fighting Association, and the champions with their dogs are even interviewed on Japanese television and treated like celebrities. It seems the Japanese culture has embraced this sport and worships these dogs and their ability to fight.

Here is how the Japanese describe this sport:

"We do not advocate or promote the inhumane treatment or violence of animals. Tosa fighting is merely a sport practiced over many years as part of the Japanese culture rooted in their history. Dog fights are not traditionally done for gambling purposes. The sparring is a traditonal part of their culture and history. Matches are performed for tourists and holidays. Historically, the Samurai used to take their soldiers to witness these matches so as to learn to develop their own fierceness, courage and bravery."

Also on the Tosa web site is a description of what these dogs do:

"Opponents sniff each other out. If either or both do not wish to fight, the judges disqualify the dogs and the match is cancelled. There are so many matches that the judges can afford to cancel numerous fights.These are powerful animals that may require at least as four people to separate them. In these photos, the combatants are separated by an air hose or by the presence of newspaper that is lit with a flame and placed near their nostrils."

These dogs are also promoted as the ultimate in personal protection so let's hope they will NOT be coming soon to a neighborhood near you! Unless we get some laws passed, there is no reason for the Tosa-Inu to NOT become the next popular power breed in North America, and it seems from the Tosa web site that they are already in New York. A dog of this magnitude would only be further exploited here.

Here are a few links that give you a glimpse into the world of Tosa-Inu dog fighting:

http://www.shaku1.com/index.html

http://www.shaku1.com/now.htm

http://www.shaku1.com/fightingassoc.htm

http://www.shaku1.com/tv.html

http://www.shaku1.com/fighting.htm

http://www.shaku1.com/postfighting.htm

The picture of this mobile dog kennel used by one of the top Tosa-Inu fighting clubs, is a clear indication as to how much money is involved in this sport. A truck like this would cost several hundred thousand dollars.