The story of Hachiko
Hachiko, the world’s most loyal dog, was born on November 10, 1923. He was a cream-colored Akita Inu who was adopted by Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo. Hachiko would accompany Ueno to Shibuya Station every morning and wait for him to return on the evening train.
Ueno died of a cerebral hemorrhage in May 1925, but Hachiko continued to return to the station every day for the next nine years, waiting for his master to come home. He became a local celebrity, and people would bring him food and water. In 1932, a newspaper article about Hachiko’s story made him nationally known.
A statue of Hachiko was erected outside Shibuya Station in 1948. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, and people from all over the world come to see it. Hachiko’s story has been told in books, movies, and even a Simpsons episode. He is a symbol of loyalty and devotion, and his story continues to touch the hearts of people around the world.
Here are some other interesting facts about the dog:
- His name means “Hachi” (eight) and “ko” (child), because he was the eighth puppy in his litter.
- He was a gift from Ueno’s students, who had traveled to Akita Prefecture to purchase a purebred Akita Inu.
- The dog was a regular at a local restaurant, where he would be given free food and water.
- He was never aggressive or unfriendly towards strangers.
- His statue was originally made of cement, but it was replaced with a bronze statue in 1948.
- The Richard Gere movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” is based on his story.
Hachiko’s story is a reminder of the power of love and loyalty. He was a truly remarkable dog, and his story will continue to be told for generations to come.
The long wait
Ueno commuted to work on the train several times per week. His three dogs, including Hachiko, accompanied him to Shibuya station. The trio would then remain there until his evening return.
On 21 May 1925, Ueno, then 53, passed on from a cerebral drain. This dog had been with him for only 16 months.
“While individuals were going to the wake, Hachi smelled Dr Ueno from the house and went inside the lounge room. Prof. Itoh writes, “He crawled under the coffin and refused to move.”
After spending the next few months with various Shibuya families, Hachiko met Kobayashi Kikusaburo, Ueno’s gardener, in the summer of 1925.
Having gotten back to the region where his late expert resided, Hachiko before long continued his everyday drive to the station, whatever may happen.
Prof. Itoh writes that “Hachi stood on four legs at the ticket gate in the evening and looked at each passenger as if he were looking for someone.” Station workers at first considered him to be an irritation. Yakitori sellers would pour water on him and young men tormented and hit him.
However, in October 1932, a story in the Japanese newspaper Tokyo Asahi Shimbun about him brought him national fame.
The station got gifts of nourishment for Hachiko every day, while guests originated from all over to see him. Sonnets and haikus were expounded on him. According to reports, 3,000 people attended a 1934 fundraising event to construct a statue of him.
The death of Hachiko on March 8, 1935, made the front page of numerous newspapers. At his memorial service, Buddhist priests offered petitions for himself and dignitaries read commendations. Thousands visited his sculpture before long.
A drive to raise money for a new Hachiko statue even managed to raise 800,000 yen in post-war Japan, which was poor and worth about 4 billion yen (£22 million; $28m) today.
“Everything considered, I feel that he realize that Dr Ueno wouldn’t return, yet he continued to stand by – Hachiko showed us the benefit of keeping confidence in somebody,” composed Okamoto Takeshi in a paper article in 1982. As a secondary school understudy, he had seen Hachiko at the station everyday.
Remembering
A memorial service for Hachiko is held every year on April 8 outside Shibuya Station. His sculpture is frequently brightened with scarves, St Nick caps and, most as of late, a careful cover.
The National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo has his mount on display. A portion of his remaining parts are buried at the Aoyama Graveyard, close by Ueno and Yae. In addition, statues of him have been erected in Odate, Hisai, Ueno’s hometown, the University of Tokyo, and Rhode Island, the United States location for the 2009 film.
In addition, Odate has planned a number of activities for his 100th birthday this year.
Will the world’s most faithful canine actually be praised hundred years from now? Prof. Yano says yes because she thinks that the “heroism of Hachiko” is timeless and does not belong to any particular era.
Mr. Sakuraba shares this optimism. Indeed, even a long time from now, this unrestricted, gave love will stay unaltered, and the tale of Hachiko will live on for eternity.”
