Odate City is an important region connecting the three prefectures of Akita, Aomori, and Iwate. The population increased following the merger in 2005. Odate City is home to the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko. While there is one at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, the Akita dog was originally born in the city. The city also has the Akita Dog Hall. The Akita dog is the only breed in Japan designated as a natural monument. The city also hosts the Odate Daimonji Festival, held every August. The festival features impressive lantern-floating events and the burning of large characters. A fireworks display is also held at the same time, making it one of the events that liven up the entire region. Many tourists from all over Japan visit the Odate Daimonji Festival to see it.