Have you ever heard the name Hachiko? For many visiting Japan, the story of this remarkable dog is an unforgettable discovery. Hachiko is more than just a pet; he’s a national hero in Japan, a symbol of unwavering loyalty whose tale has touched hearts worldwide. His fame is such that multiple films have chronicled his life, solidifying his place in popular culture.
A bronze statue stands in his honor next to Shibuya Train Station in Tokyo, a site visited daily by hundreds who pause to capture a photo with the likeness of this legendary Akita. The impact of the Hachiko Dog Story even reached Hollywood, resulting in the film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.” Consequently, another statue commemorates him in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA, located precisely where the fictional “Bedridge” train station stood in the movie – a replica of the original Shibuya statue. You might wonder what makes this particular dog so famous. The answer lies in an incredible, true, and deeply moving story of devotion.
Once Upon A Time, There Was A Dog Named Hachiko
The story begins with Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor of agricultural science at the University of Tokyo. Professor Ueno had long desired a purebred Japanese Akita dog. His search led him, with encouragement from a student, to Odate City in northern Japan. There, he found a puppy born on November 10, 1923, on a farm in the Akita prefecture. This puppy, a purebred Akita with parents Oshinai (father, named after the local area) and Goma (mother, meaning “sesame”), would become Hachiko.
Professor Ueno purchased the puppy for ¥30, a significant sum at the time. The young Akita embarked on a 20-hour train journey to Tokyo. Arriving at Professor Ueno’s home on January 15, 1924, the puppy was frail, initially presumed dead. According to Professor Mayumi Itoh’s biography of Hachiko, Ueno and his partner Yae dedicatedly nursed the puppy back to health over the following six months. Professor Ueno named him Hachi, incorporating the Japanese word for eight (“hachi”), a number considered lucky. He often added the suffix “-ko” as a term of endearment.
Hachi and Professor Ueno quickly formed an inseparable bond. Ueno cherished the dog deeply, treating him like a son. As Hachi grew, he developed a heartwarming routine: escorting Professor Ueno to Shibuya Train Station each morning and returning in the afternoon to greet his owner coming home from work.
Black and white photo of Professor Hidesaburō Ueno sitting with his loyal Akita dog, Hachiko
Vintage photo of Hachiko the Akita dog wearing a harness, embodying the famous hachiko dog story
The Unwavering Vigil
On May 21, 1925, just under two years after Hachi’s birth, the loyal dog waited as usual by the Shibuya Station exit for Professor Ueno’s return. But the professor never appeared. Tragically, Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage while at work. He was 53 years old. Hachiko had known his beloved owner for only one year and four months.
Following Ueno’s death, Hachi went to live with Kozaburo Kobayashi, a former gardener of the Ueno family, in nearby Tomigaya. Despite his new home, Hachi continued his daily journey to Shibuya Station. Every afternoon, precisely when Professor Ueno’s train was scheduled to arrive, Hachi would appear, waiting patiently for hours, hoping in vain for his master’s return. Professor Itoh’s biography notes, “In the evening, Hachi stood on four legs at the ticket gate and looked at each passenger as if he were looking for someone.”
Initially, Hachi’s presence wasn’t always welcomed. Reports suggest he faced mistreatment from pedestrians, station staff, and even children. However, his story eventually caught the attention of the press.
Hachiko patiently waiting outside Shibuya Station for Professor Ueno’s return
Becoming a National Icon
In 1932, a reporter for a major Japanese newspaper published Hachi’s story, transforming the solitary waiting dog into a national sensation. People began affectionately calling him “Chuken-Hachiko,” meaning “Hachiko – the faithful dog.” His unwavering loyalty resonated deeply with the Japanese public, making him a symbol of devotion.
The story gained widespread media attention, inspiring people from across Japan and even internationally to visit Shibuya Station, offering treats and companionship to the devoted Akita. Hachiko continued his vigil for nine years, nine months, and fifteen days, faithfully appearing at the station every day until his own death on March 8, 1935, at the age of 11. His legacy as an enduring symbol of love, loyalty, and devotion remains powerful even today.
Japanese newspaper clippings featuring photos and articles about Hachiko the faithful dog
Hachiko’s Legacy in Stone and Memory
Hachiko passed away peacefully on a street near Shibuya Station. Given his status as a national symbol, special measures were taken to preserve his memory. Today, several statues and monuments honor him, particularly in Tokyo.
The Iconic Shibuya Station Statue
The most famous Hachiko statue stands prominently outside Shibuya Station. Originally sculpted by Teru Andō and unveiled in April 1934, the ceremony was attended by Hachiko himself as the guest of honor.
Hachiko the dog sitting proudly in front of his own bronze statue during its unveiling ceremony
This original statue was melted down for resources during World War II. The current bronze statue, installed in August 1948, was created by Takeshi Ando, the son of the original artist. It remains one of Tokyo’s most popular landmarks and a common meeting point, especially for young people. The station exit near the statue is aptly named “Hachikō-guchi,” meaning “The Hachikō Entrance/Exit.”
The bronze Hachiko statue outside Shibuya Station, a popular meeting spot in Tokyo
An annual memorial ceremony is held at the Shibuya Station statue on March 8, Hachiko’s death anniversary, celebrating his loyalty. The 2023 ceremony was particularly significant, marking what would have been Hachiko’s 100th birthday.
The Hachiko Family Mosaic at Shibuya
Adorning a wall within Shibuya Station is a large, vibrant mosaic titled “Hachiko Family.” Created by artist Ryutaro Kitahara and completed in 1990, the mural depicts Hachiko joyfully playing with his Akita family. Kitahara accompanied the artwork with a poem inviting people to meet before the mural, a place representing greetings, farewells, and the vibrancy of life in Shibuya.
Colorful Hachiko Family mosaic mural on the wall of Shibuya Station depicting Akitas playing
Detailed close-up view of the Hachiko Family mosaic artwork at Shibuya Station
Preserved Hachiko at the National Science Museum
After his death, Hachiko’s body was preserved through taxidermy. Visitors can see the actual Hachiko on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Tokyo, a poignant reminder of the real dog behind the legend.
The taxidermied body of Hachiko on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Tokyo
The Reunion Statue: Hachiko & Professor Ueno at Tokyo University
A touching bronze statue capturing a joyful reunion between Hachiko and Professor Ueno stands on the grounds of the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture, where Ueno taught and tragically passed away. Erected on March 9, 2015, marking the 80th anniversary of Hachiko’s death, the statue by Tsutomo Ueda depicts Hachiko eagerly leaping up to greet his returning owner. It offers a peaceful space for reflection on their bond.
Adjacent to this statue is a small museum displaying photographs, articles, and even Hachiko’s autopsy report and preserved organs (liver, heart, lung). The autopsy confirmed Hachiko died from terminal cancer and a filaria infection. Interestingly, four yakitori skewers were found in his stomach but were determined not to be the cause of death.
Hachiko’s Final Resting Place: Aoyama Cemetery Monument
While Hachiko’s fur was preserved for the museum display, his remains were cremated. His ashes were buried alongside his beloved owner, Professor Ueno, in Aoyama Cemetery in Minato, Tokyo. A special monument dedicated to Hachiko stands beside Ueno’s tomb, marking their eternal companionship.
Stone monument dedicated to Hachiko beside Professor Ueno’s grave marker in Aoyama Cemetery
Honoring Hachiko Beyond Tokyo
Hachiko’s legacy extends beyond the capital city.
Akita Dog Museum in Odate City
In Odate City, Akita Prefecture – the birthplace of Hachiko and the spiritual home of the Akita breed – lies the Akita Dog Museum. Operated by the Akita Dog Preservation Society, this museum is dedicated to the breed and features extensive information about Hachiko. Visitors can often interact with resident Akita dogs on weekdays. The museum typically operates daily from mid-April to mid-November.
Odate City itself celebrates its connection to the Akita breed extensively. You’ll find another Hachiko statue outside Odate Station, a Hachiko shrine on the platform, Akita figures adorning postboxes, and even manhole covers featuring Hachiko-related designs.
Hachiko’s American Connection
As mentioned earlier, the Hollywood adaptation led to the creation of a Hachiko statue in the United States. Located at the Woonsocket Depot Square in Rhode Island, this statue marks the filming location for the fictional “Bedridge” station and serves as a transatlantic tribute to Hachiko’s loyalty.
Hachiko in Popular Culture
The powerful Hachiko Dog Story has naturally found its way into popular culture through films and books.
Film Adaptations
The first film adaptation was the Japanese movie “Hachiko Monogatari” (The Tale of Hachiko), released in 1987. It remains a classic depiction of the story.
In 2009, the story reached a wider international audience with the American film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” starring Richard Gere. This adaptation, filmed in Rhode Island, brought Hachiko’s story of loyalty to millions more, often eliciting strong emotional responses from viewers.
Books About Hachiko
Numerous books delve into the life and legacy of Hachiko, offering detailed accounts of his story for readers of all ages. These narratives further explore the themes of loyalty, companionship, and the profound bond between humans and animals exemplified by Hachiko and Professor Ueno.
Japan’s Love for Dogs
The deep affection shown towards Hachiko reflects a broader love for dogs prevalent in Japanese culture. Throughout Japan, dogs are often treated as cherished family members, seen accompanying their owners in parks, cafes, and city streets, sometimes dressed in adorable outfits. This cultural appreciation for canine companionship provides a fitting backdrop to the enduring reverence for Hachiko.
Visiting Hachiko’s Tokyo Landmarks
For those inspired by the hachiko dog story, visiting Tokyo offers a unique opportunity to connect with his legacy. Key sites include the iconic Shibuya Station statue, the poignant monument at Aoyama Cemetery, and the preserved Hachiko himself at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno.
Where To Stay In Tokyo
Tokyo offers a vast range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to traditional inns (ryokan), budget-friendly hostels, and unique capsule hotels.
Top Range
The Park Hyatt Tokyo: Famous from the film ‘Lost in Translation,’ this hotel offers luxurious, spacious rooms, exceptional service, world-class dining, and stunning city views from its renowned New York Bar.
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Top Range alternatives: Palace Hotel Tokyo, The Tokyo Station Hotel
Mid-Range
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku: Excellently located near Shinjuku-sanchome station, this modern hotel offers compact but comfortable rooms equipped with amenities like microwaves and washing machines. It provides great value in a prime shopping and entertainment district.
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Hotel MyStays Asakusabashi: A well-regarded option offering decent-sized rooms (especially twin rooms) for Tokyo standards. Located in a pleasant neighborhood with good transport links via Asakusabashi station.
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Budget
MyCube by MyStays Asakusa Kuramae: A modern take on the capsule hotel concept, offering relatively spacious ‘cubes’ with lockable storage. Conveniently located next to an underground station.
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Budget Alternatives: Khaosan Tokyo Samurai Capsule (Note: Original linked to Khaosan Asakusa Hostel, providing a similar relevant alternative)
Conclusion
The hachiko dog story transcends time and culture. It’s a simple yet profound narrative about loyalty that continues to resonate deeply. Hachiko’s unwavering devotion to Professor Ueno, demonstrated through his nine-year vigil at Shibuya Station, serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible capacity for love and faithfulness found in animals. His statues, museum display, and resting place alongside his master ensure that the memory of Chuken-Hachiko, the faithful dog, endures, inspiring reflection on the enduring bonds we share with our most loyal companions.
