Hachiko
the Loyal Dog,
November 10, 1923 - March 8, 1935
11-year old Japanese Akita dog
Hachiko is the famous dog that waited daily for nine years outside Shibuya Station for his master to return. His master, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, died at work on May 21,1925.
The dog’s pelt was removed and stuffed for display in the Japan Gallery on the 2nd floor of the National Museum of Nature and Science, in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. His flesh and bones were interred at Aoyama Cemetery in Minato Ward, next to Professor Ueno’s grave.
The life-size bronze statue of Hachiko outside Shibuya Station’s West Exit is a popular meeting spot and tourist attraction. I’ve visited it and photographed it many times myself. And, each year on March 8th, Hachiko’s devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya Station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.
During his lifetime, a local newspaper published stories about Hachiko’s daily vigil at the station, and the dog was held up in Japanese culture as an example of loyalty and fidelity - important Japanese virtues. Since his death, he continues to be remembered worldwide in popular culture with statues, movies and books. Even in English (the 2009 movie Hachi: A Dog’s Life, starring Richard Gere, directed by Lasse Hallstrӧm).
I think for some foreigners, less than being an outstanding example of a loyal dog, Hachiko is more an example of a stupid dog: the dog simply could not learn that his master was not returning. The old dog was incapable of learning anything new. But it’s still a sad and kind of endearing story, especially for people who have pets. After Ueno’s death, Hachiko was basically a stray dog, surviving on food scraps offered by local citizens who fondly remembered seeing him greet his master each day. Apparently, no one thought enough of Hachiko to adopt him and give him a good home, so he was found dead on the street in March 1935.
Less than being an outstanding example of a loyal dog, Hachiko is more an example of a stupid dog.