The Heartwarming Story of Loyal Dog Hachiko in Japan
On November 10, 2023, Japan commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog.
Hachiko was born on November 10, 1923, and passed away on March 8, 1935. Over its 11-year life, this Akita Inu became a symbol of absolute loyalty in Japan.
In a country known for its samurai, who valued loyalty as their primary duty, this story resonates deeply. Yet, thanks to films, Hachiko’s story has touched hearts around the world. The Hollywood film starring Richard Gere as Hachiko’s owner moved millions of viewers to tears.
Companion of the Samurai
Hachiko was born on a farm in Akita Prefecture, which gave its name to the breed. Akita dogs were once companions to samurai from the 16th century and participated in the popular sport of dog fighting in Japan. However, by the 20th century, this practice had fallen out of favor.
Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, a respected agricultural scientist at the Imperial University of Tokyo, brought Hachiko home not to fight but as a beloved pet. Professor Ueno, a pacifist who devoted his life to caring for dogs, had owned eight dogs before Hachiko, with “Hachi” meaning “eight” in Japanese.
Every morning, Hachiko accompanied Professor Ueno to Shibuya Station to see him off to university. In the afternoon, Hachiko would wait at the station to greet him. However, the bond was tragically cut short when Professor Ueno died of a stroke in May 1925 while lecturing at the university.
Hachiko continued to wait at the station for his owner every day for nearly 10 years. Initially, people thought the dog was merely wandering the station, but it soon became clear that Hachiko was waiting for Professor Ueno. They began to feed and water him.
Hachiko’s story gained national attention when a student of Professor Ueno, who was preparing a publication about Akita dogs, learned about Hachiko’s unwavering loyalty. The student published articles about Hachiko, with one appearing in Japan’s largest newspaper, Asahi Shimbun, capturing the nation’s admiration.
A National Hero
In 1932 and 1934, bronze statues were erected in Hachiko’s honor—one at Odate Station, the city of his birth, and another at Shibuya Station. Hachiko’s death was a tragedy for many. An autopsy revealed he had cancer and was infected with dangerous parasites, including heartworm.
Each year, on March 8th, Hachiko’s death anniversary, a brief ceremony is held at Shibuya Station to honor the world’s most loyal dog.
In 1994, sound engineers managed to recover and restore a recording of Hachiko’s bark, which was broadcast across Japan.
The exit at Shibuya Station is named in honor of Hachiko—the very spot where he waited for his owner. Additionally, a bus route runs from this station to central Tokyo.
Hachiko’s ashes were buried next to his owner. In 2016, the remains of Professor Ueno’s wife, Yaeko Sakano, were also interred in the same grave, an event celebrated nationwide as “Hachiko Family Reunion Day.”
Movies about Hachiko continue to be made. The first film, “The Story of Hachiko,” released in 1987, became a hit in Japan. The second film, featuring Richard Gere and directed by Lasse Hallström in 2009, gained international fame. More recently, a Chinese film, “My Hachiko,” was released with a similar storyline.
