Tobio Akiyama

Tobio is a young Shikoku dog breeder from Japan and one of the most important human characters in the series. He plays a major role in volume 1, making his first appearance in chapter 4. Tobio is the close friend and business partner of Sid Hogal, a fellow Shikoku owner and enthusiast from America.

Appearance
He is a young man in his late 20s with a very studious appearance. He wears glasses and is often seen in sweaters or a long tan trench coat. He has short black hair and brown eyes.

Personality
Tobio has devoted his entire adult life to breeding and caring for dogs. Even being injured in an accident, he seems to care more about their wellbeing than his own. This concerns his niece, Miki. He is mild mannered and kind, but also quite serious at times.

Before the Accident
Tobio agreed to breed his dog, Daichi, with Sid's dog, Shiori. Months later, Shiro and his siblings were born. Tobio saw something special in Shiro and decided to keep him instead of selling him along with his siblings. The young dog and his owner became increasingly attached to each other.

The Accident and Aftermath
2 years later, Tobio was involved in a head-on collision with another car that was driving on the wrong side of the road. He was badly injured and left unable to care for his dogs at all. With no other options, he called on Sid to take them with him to America while he recovered.

While checking on him in the hospital, Tobio's niece, Miki, asks if he is sure he made the right decision. Tobio explains that Sid is his trusted partner and that there is no better person to look after the dogs. A few days later, Tobio receives a call from Sid, who tells him that he lost Shiro in a park. Tobio is devastated and angry at Sid, but his partner vows to get the dog back. Tobio reflects on his decision and realizes that sending Shiro away was a mistake. He promises to bring Shiro home to Japan however he can.

Relationships
It is clear that Tobio has a strong relationship with Sid. Both men trust and respect each other deeply. He has a unique bond with his dogs and especially the young Shiro.