Actress Atsuko Maeda attended the "Best Buddy Award 2026" awards ceremony held in Tokyo on April 23rd. When asked, in keeping with the event's title, "Who is your own best buddy?", she replied, "I'm hoping to meet someone... If someone is willing to be my best, I'll be waiting (laughs)," speaking about the possibility of a new buddy.
When asked about the "best buddy" among all the dogs and cats she has owned, she said, "It was the first dog I had, who passed away last year. He was affectionate until the very end. He was like the head of the household among all the pets. He also helped train my new dogs, so I think we've been able to build a good relationship with them. He's the most important and precious to me, and I'm grateful to him."
When asked about the importance of pets, she said, "They are family. I don't think of them as just one animal, but as individuals. I treat them as if I have many family members," expressing her gratitude to her dogs and cats.
The award was newly established by the Japan Veterinary Medical Association with the aim of realizing a richer society of coexistence between humans and animals. Ms. Maeda, who has cherished her life with animals for over 20 years, received the award.
