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.

Of course, quintessential Japanese icons such as Ultraman, Godzilla, and cherry blossoms are also present in homage to Saito’s own cultural background. Photograph: Time Out Singapore Don’t ...