Russian President Vladimir Putin brought his Japanese Akita breed dog, Yume, with him to an interview with representatives from the Japanese Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV) and Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, in Moscow, Tuesday.

Yume was presented to the Russian president as a puppy by the Akita Prefecture in thanks for Russian assistance in the aftermath the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Putin will make a twoday visit to Japan this week in which he will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.