KOKA, Shiga -- A contest for ceramic "tanuki" raccoon dog statues will be held for the first time in this west Japan city, which boasts one of six ancient kilns in the country, and entries are ...

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.