Born at a beautiful estate just outside of Kyoto, Japan, Enso's earliest days were spent learning about his birth culture. Shortly after weaning, he was purchased and then given as a gift to an American. Enso's owner was a Zen Buddhist practitioner who retired to solitude in his country’s western wilds and he raised lovingly raised Enso into a calm, confident, loyal companion. The Akita spent his early adulthood devotedly at his master's side with an older Akita, Kensho, whom Enso loved dearly. Kensho did his best to impart all of his spiritual and practical knowledge to his young student, and Enso mourned deeply when old age claimed his teacher. Not long after, Enso's master didn't wake one morning. The dog stayed by his master's side for days, not eating or leaving his side. When he was sure his human companion had truly departed this world, Enso struck out at three years of age into the wilderness, where he honed his practice and broadened his experience.