I had Aussies and Mini American Shepherds before I got involved with Hokkaido, and imo a herding instinct test (HI/HIT) doesn't really prove much. I could easily see any of my Hokkaido running around chasing sheep who are very well accustomed to being herded by various dogs. It takes a more skilled eye and a more thorough test (such as an HT) to see if a dog has any true herding potential.
Not saying an NK can't be taught (I know many off breed dogs who have been taught to herd easy livestock), but I doubt there will be much true instinct there other than prey drive.
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http://nihonken.org/forum/index.php?p=/discussion/6349/herding-really/p1
Shoushuu
Kotomi https://m.facebook.com/airreyalis.shikoku.ken/videos/?mt_nav=1
Have come to find that it's more of a Hunting Instinct Test and not so much Herding.
Not saying an NK can't be taught (I know many off breed dogs who have been taught to herd easy livestock), but I doubt there will be much true instinct there other than prey drive.