In the old days Akitas were used for hunting in Japan, but not in such a way that they would actually kill a bear. Some people tell this story but an Akita (or two of them) are not big and strong enough to bring down an angry bear.

Instead, the use of Akitas in bear hunting was simply for tracking and cornering until the owner made his way to the area to do the killing.

Because these Akitas worked without the hunter being present they had to make their own decisions (which at least partly explains their obstinacy).