The story of The Dog Hachiko resonates deeply across the globe, a timeless tale of unwavering canine devotion. Outside Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Station stands a bronze statue, not of a warrior or politician, but of this famous Akita dog. It’s Japan’s most renowned meeting spot and a poignant reminder of Hachiko’s decade-long vigil waiting for his deceased master. As we mark the centenary of his birth, the legend of The Dog Hachiko continues to touch hearts, embodying extraordinary loyalty. This is the true story of Japan’s most faithful companion.
From Rural Akita to Bustling Tokyo
Hachiko’s journey began far from the city lights of Shibuya, in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, approximately 600 kilometers north of Tokyo. He was born in November 1923, part of an Akita-inu litter belonging to farmer Saitō Yoshikazu. The Akita-inu is a breed deeply rooted in Japanese history, designated a “natural monument” by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Known for their large stature, calm demeanor, thick coats, and profound loyalty, Akitas originated around the 1630s, likely from cross-breeding Matagi hunting dogs with local breeds to develop capable fighting dogs.
Around the time of Hachiko’s birth, Hidesaburō Ueno, a respected professor in the Department of Agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo), sought a purebred Japanese dog. A student working in Akita facilitated the connection, acquiring the puppy from Saitō on the professor’s behalf. In January 1924, on a snowy day, the roughly 50-day-old puppy embarked on a 20-hour train journey to Ueno Station in Tokyo, kept warm in a simple rice bag. Soon after, he arrived at Professor Ueno’s home near Shibuya Station.
A Cherished Companion Named Hachi
Professor Ueno, who did not have children, quickly grew fond of the small pup. He offered Hachi exceptional care, allowing him to sleep beneath his bed and share meal times. The professor named him Hachi, observing that the dog’s forelegs, when standing, resembled the Japanese character 八, meaning “eight” and pronounced hachi. The name Hachikō, by which he is widely known, is an affectionate form of Hachi.
Under the devoted care of Ueno and his common-law wife, Yae, Hachi thrived, growing into a strong and healthy Akita. A deep bond formed between dog and master. Hachi began accompanying Professor Ueno to Shibuya Station each morning as he left for work and faithfully returned to the station every evening to await his master’s arrival home.
Statue of the dog Hachiko joyfully greeting Professor Ueno at University of Tokyo campus
Sudden Loss and an Unbreakable Wait
Their peaceful routine lasted only 16 months. On May 21, 1925, Hachi saw Professor Ueno off at Shibuya Station as usual. Tragically, later that day, the professor suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage during a faculty meeting. He was just 53 years old. Hachi, unaware, returned to the station that evening, waiting for a master who would never come back.
Historical black and white photo of the dog Hachiko known for his loyalty
Returning home alone, Hachi seemed to sense the loss, huddling with the professor’s clothes and refusing food for three days. Because Yae was Ueno’s common-law wife, she couldn’t inherit their Shibuya house and had to move. Hachi was initially sent to live with acquaintances in Nihonbashi, then relatives in Asakusa, and later with Yae in Setagaya. Despite these moves, Hachi persistently tried to make his way back to Shibuya Station, the place he associated with his beloved master. Eventually, Ueno’s former gardener, Kobayashi Kikuzaburō, who lived near the old Ueno residence in Shibuya, learned of Hachi’s unwavering determination and took him in. From then on, every morning and every evening, Hachi returned to Shibuya Station, patiently waiting outside the ticket gates, regardless of the weather, hoping for Professor Ueno’s return.
How the World Learned About the Dog Hachiko
Hachi’s remarkable loyalty did not go unnoticed forever. Saitō Hirokichi, the founder of the Japanese Dog Preservation Society, was deeply moved by the dog’s steadfast vigil. In 1932, he penned an article for a major newspaper (a forerunner of today’s Asahi Shimbun), sharing the poignant story of the dog Hachiko, who had faithfully awaited his master for seven long years.
The article brought widespread attention to Hachi’s story, both within Japan and internationally. People expressed concern for the aging dog, and the staff at Shibuya Station began looking out for him. His tale was recounted in newspapers and on radio programs. As his fame spread, locals initiated a campaign to erect a statue in his honor. In 1934, funded by volunteers, a bronze statue standing 162 centimeters tall on a 180-centimeter pedestal was unveiled outside the Shibuya Station entrance. Hachi himself was present at the ceremony on April 21.
A Faithful End and Lasting Remembrance
Hachi continued his vigil, but age and illness eventually caught up with him. Suffering from a parasitic infection, he grew weaker. On March 8, 1935, the dog Hachiko passed away peacefully near Shibuya Station at the age of 13 (often considered equivalent to about 90 in human years). He had waited for Professor Ueno for nearly ten years.
A funeral service was held on March 12, attended by Yae, Shibuya Station staff, and many members of the public who had been touched by his story. Hachiko’s remains were buried next to Professor Ueno’s grave in Aoyama Cemetery, uniting them in death. To preserve his memory, Hachiko’s pelt was mounted and is now displayed at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo. The original statue in Shibuya fell victim to wartime metal drives in October 1944 but was faithfully rebuilt in 1948, three years after World War II ended.
The famous bronze Hachiko statue outside Shibuya Station in modern Tokyo
The Global Legacy of Hachiko’s Story
The tale of the dog Hachiko transcended borders even before the war. In 1937, Helen Keller, the renowned American educator and advocate, visited the statue during a trip to Japan. Deeply moved, she expressed a wish for an Akita-inu, and was gifted one that year, receiving a second in 1939 after the first passed away.
More recently, Hachiko’s story reached a new generation through cinema. The 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari (The Story of Hachikō) was remade in 2009 as the American drama Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, starring Richard Gere. Gere, who also produced the film, confessed that reading the script brought him to tears, highlighting the universal emotional power of Hachiko’s loyalty.
Actor Richard Gere with the Akita dog star of the movie Hachi A Dogs Tale
Saitō Hirokichi, reflecting on Hachiko’s dedication, offered a touching perspective: “If we interpret the account of Hachi, waiting at Shibuya Station until death, in human terms, it becomes a moving tale of honorable service, but I don’t believe we can attribute such a sense of obligation to Hachi. He simply had pure affection for the master who had treated him so fondly. Not only Hachi, but all dogs, are like this. It is unconditional and absolute love.”
Conclusion
Decades later, Shibuya has transformed into a futuristic hub of towering skyscrapers and bustling crowds. Yet, amidst the relentless pace of modern Tokyo, the statue of the dog Hachiko remains a quiet anchor. It stands as more than just a popular meeting place; it is a globally recognized symbol of faithfulness, unconditional love, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. The story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita who waited, continues to inspire and remind us of the profound depth of devotion, ensuring his legacy lives on, year after year.
