When I used to walk on the beach,I met an akita one morning,I saw it coming and thought oh S...t,the dogs owner saw my staffies and thought oh s..t, but as we couldn't avoid each other met up, and the dogs got on great.
When i worked at battersea there was the most adorable Akita bitch in the kennels, i spent alot of time with her, she was like a giant teddy bear, but so gentle and loving. Just goes to show its not the breed, its the owner..