The bronze statue of the faithful dog, Hachiko, stands in the square at Shibuya Station. As word spread about this pet’s loyalty through media and movies, this common meeting place for Japanese people is now so popular that tourists from abroad often line up to take pictures with the statue, making Hachiko a major tourist attraction in Shibuya.
Although known as “Hachiko”, the dog’s original name was Hachi, a male of the canine species called Akita Inu (native to Japan).
Hachi was born in November 1923 in Niida Village, Akita Prefecture (now Odate City). The following year, the pup was taken in by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno of the Faculty of Agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) and began living in the professor’s home in Shibuya, Tokyo. Hachi was often ill, but Professor Ueno was a great dog lover who treated his furry friend with great care, making a space for him by his bed. When the professor left for work each morning, Hachi saw him off to Shibuya Station, and upon his return, would come out and meet his master for the walk home.
However, in May 1925, Professor Ueno suddenly passed away. Still, Hachi continued to wait in front of Shibuya Station, day after day, for his master to return. Though often the target of pranks by heartless passers-by, he persisted. Then, sparked by a newspaper article in 1932 featuring Hachi’s show of loyalty, the steadfast canine companion became known far and wide by the affectionate nickname “Loyal Hachiko.” In 1934, a bronze statue was erected in Hachi’s honor, and the 4-legged celebrity himself reportedly attended the unveiling ceremony. It should be noted that the current bronze sculpture is the second version, made in 1948.
Hachi died in 1935 at the age of 11. Upon his passing, his death was given the same treatment as a human, with a funeral held, and flowers and telegrams sent in mourning.
Hachiko’s life has inspired many movies, both domestically and overseas.
① Hachiko Monogatari (1987, Japan)
② Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009, USA)*
③ Hachiko (2023, China) *
*Both are remakes of ①.
The graves of Professor Ueno and Hachi are in Aoyama Cemetery in Minato City, where both the master and his faithful friend can rest together in eternity. Also, the permanent display of a taxidermy version of Hachi at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Taito City’s Ueno Park makes it easy to imagine how he appeared when alive.
When you visit the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, take a moment to remember the loyalty of the devoted dog, Hachi.
| Access | Shibuya Sta. Hachiko ticket gate, Hachiko exit (A8 exit) → 1 min walk |
