Hachi Ko's Inspiring Journey from Akita to Tokyo

Hachi Ko, a Japanese Akita, was born in Akita Prefecture, Japan in 1923.

He was a loyal companion to his owner, Professor Ueno, a renowned professor at the University of Tokyo.

Hachi Ko's journey from Akita to Tokyo was a significant one, as he traveled extensively with Professor Ueno.

He became a beloved fixture in Tokyo, known for his loyalty and affection towards his owner.

Hachiko, also known as Hachi Ko, was a loyal and faithful Akita dog.

He was born in Odate, Akita, in 1923 and later became the companion of Professor Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo University.

Hachi Ko developed a deep bond with his owner, and they had a daily routine where Hachi would accompany his owner to Shibuya Station every morning.

The professor would head off to work, and Hachi would eagerly await his return in the evening at 3pm, greeting him at the station.

Hachiko's loyalty was so remarkable that he continued to visit the station daily after the professor's death in 1925, until nearly 10 years later.

Hirokichi Saito, a student of Ueno's, was instrumental in sharing Hachikō's story with the world. He followed Hachikō to the home of Kozaburo Kobayashi, Ueno's former gardener, where he learned about the dog's life.

Saito frequently visited Hachikō and published several articles about the dog's remarkable loyalty. These articles helped raise awareness about the Akita breed and Hachikō's incredible devotion.

In 1932, one of Saito's articles, published in Asahi Shimbun, put Hachikō in the national spotlight. This marked a significant turning point in Hachikō's life, as he became a beloved national symbol of loyalty.

Hachikō's faithfulness inspired the people of Japan, and he became a model for children to follow. Teachers and parents used his story to teach children about the importance of loyalty and dedication.

There are several great books written about Hachiko and his amazing story and life. Here are a few that you might find interesting.

You can learn more about these books by pressing on each picture to see more info about the book.

Hachi was born in Odate, Akita, in 1923. He was later known as Hachiko.

He became the faithful companion of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, a Tokyo Imperial University professor, now known as Tokyo University.

Hachi and Professor Ueno developed a deep bond, which led to a daily routine where Hachi would accompany his owner to the Shibuya Station in Tokyo every morning.

After dropping off his owner, Hachi would eagerly await his return in the evening, demonstrating his loyalty and dedication.

Hachikō was born in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, some 600 kilometers from Shibuya.

He was one of an Akita-inu litter born in November 1923 to dogs belonging to a farmer named Saitō Yoshikazu.

The Akita-inu is a breed designated as a “natural monument” by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

These dogs are large with a gentle composure and thick, fluffy coats.

Hachikō's birthplace is a significant part of his story, as it highlights the origins of the Akita-inu breed.

Hachi and Ueno were suddenly separated in 1925, just 16 months after Ueno took charge of Hachi.

Hachi accompanied Ueno to the station on May 21, but shortly after a faculty meeting, Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died.

Hachi became famous for his loyalty, and his behavior after Ueno's death was a testament to that.

He went to the station in the evening to greet Ueno, returning home after he failed to appear.

Hachi refused food for three days, somehow sensing that his master was in trouble.

Yae, Ueno's common-law wife, had to move into smaller, rented accommodation, and Hachi was taken in by an acquaintance of hers who ran a kimono store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

Hachi sometimes tried to return to Shibuya Station, eight kilometers away, after the move.

He later lived with relations in Asakusa, then with Yae in Setagaya, but he never stopped trying to reach Shibuya.

Kobayashi Kikuzaburō, Ueno's former gardener, took custody of Hachi and learned of his plight.

Hachi returned to the station each morning and evening, waiting outside the ticket gates, rain, snow, or shine.

It seemed he was forever hoping that his master would eventually return.

A ceremony was held at the Aoyama Cemetery on May 19, 2016, where the ashes of Yaeko Sakano were buried with Ueno and Hachikō.

This reunion of Hachikō's family was made possible by the burial of Yaeko's ashes with Ueno and Hachikō, fulfilling a long-awaited reunion.

Yaeko's name and the date of her death were inscribed on the side of Hachikō's tombstone, a poignant reminder of the bond between them.

To acknowledge the importance of this reunion, officials made sure to include both Ueno and Yaeko's names on their shared grave.

Hachikō was born in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, some 600 kilometers from Shibuya.

The Akita-inu is a breed that originated in the 1630s through cross-breeding of Matagi hunting dogs with local dogs.

Hachikō was one of an Akita-inu litter born in November 1923 to dogs belonging to a farmer named Saitō Yoshikazu.

The breed is designated as a "natural monument" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and is known for its gentle composure and thick, fluffy coats.

Akita-inus are considered loyal to their owner, which is one of the reasons they have ardent fans worldwide.

Hachikō was acquired by Ueno Hidesaburō, a professor in the Department of Agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University, through one of his students who was working in Akita.

Shibuya Station is a must-visit destination for any Hachiko fan. The most famous Hachiko statue is located in front of Shibuya Station, a grand ceremony was held in 1934 to unveil the statue with Hachiko himself in attendance.

You can find the Hachiko bronze statue outside Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo's biggest tourist attractions. The current statue is from 1948, made by Takeshi Ando, the son of the original artist Teru Ando.

The entrance where you exit Shibuya Station is named “Hachikō-guchi,” which means “The Hachikō Entrance/Exit” in English. Shibuya Station has five exits in total, and this one is a popular meeting spot, especially among young Japanese.

On the Shibuya Station wall is a huge mosaic artwork titled “Hachiko Family.” The mosaic shows Hachiko playing happily with his parents and siblings, created by Japanese artist Ryutaro Kitahara in March 1990.

If you visit the Hachiko Statue, you'll notice a second statue was erected in front of Tower Records in Shibuya, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its relocation. This statue is a great reminder of Hachiko's enduring legacy in Tokyo.

Hachiko's legacy lives on in various forms of commemoration. Hachiko's remains were cremated and his ashes buried in Aoyama Cemetery, Minato, Tokyo, alongside his beloved master Professor Ueno.

A statue of Hachiko was first built in 1934 by famed sculptor Teru Ando, but it was repurposed for military efforts during WWII. The closest station exit to the current statue is named "Hachiko Exit" and serves as a meeting point for people.

The current statue of Hachiko, built by Teru's son Takeshi Ando in 1948, stands near Shibuya Station and has become a focal point for reunions and farewells. Hundreds of dog lovers attend the annual ceremony on March 8 to honor Hachiko's memory and loyalty.

Hachiko's story has inspired various forms of media, including books, films, and documentaries. A Hollywood movie, "Hachi: A Dog's Story", was made in 2009, starring Richard Gere.

Each year on March 8, a solemn ceremony of remembrance is held at Shibuya Station to honor Hachiko's devotion. The ceremony was particularly notable in 2023, as it coincided with what would have been Hachiko's 100th birthday.

Hachiko's legacy extends beyond Tokyo, with statues in Odate, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Hisai Station, and Tsu, Mie. A statue near Tokyo University also shows a happy ending for the pair, imagining a joyous reunion between Hachiko and his beloved owner Ueno.

Hachikō was born on November 10, 1923, at a farm in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

He was a white Akita and would go on to become a beloved companion to Professor Hidesaburō Ueno.

Hachikō lived in Shibuya, Tokyo, and would wait for Ueno at the nearby Shibuya Station every day.

He waited for 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days after Ueno's passing, appearing precisely when the train was due.

Hachikō's daily routine and loyalty eventually won over the hearts of the people who frequented the station.

He was even featured in the Asahi Shimbun on October 4, 1932, which brought more attention and affection to him.

Hachikō sadly died on March 8, 1935, at the age of 11, but not before leaving a lasting legacy.

The cause of his death was finally determined to be terminal cancer and a filaria infection in March 2011.

Hachikō was born on November 10, 1923, at a farm in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

He was a white Akita, and his life took a significant turn when he was taken in by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno in 1924.

Ueno brought Hachikō to live in Shibuya, Tokyo, where they established a daily routine of Hachikō waiting for Ueno at the nearby Shibuya Station.

This routine continued until May 21, 1925, when Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away without returning home.

Hachikō waited for Ueno's return every day for 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

Many commuters at Shibuya Station had seen Hachikō and Ueno together each day, and their reactions ranged from indifference to hostility.

However, after an article about Hachikō was published in Asahi Shimbun on October 4, 1932, people began to bring him treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

Hachikō's friendly nature and loyalty to Ueno earned him a special place in the hearts of the people at Shibuya Station.

Hachikō died on March 8, 1935, at the age of 11.

He was found on a street in Shibuya.

The cause of Hachikō's death was finally settled in March 2011, revealing that he had both terminal cancer and a filaria infection.

The presence of four yakitori skewers in Hachikō's stomach did not contribute to his death, as they did not damage his stomach.

Hachi Ko's story has had a profound impact on Japanese culture and beyond.

Hachi became a celebrity in Japan after a major newspaper reporter picked up his story in 1932, making him a beloved figure across the country.

People from all over the world were inspired to visit Hachi at Shibuya Train Station, where he would sit daily, waiting for his deceased master, and offer him treats.

Hachi's story even caught the attention of Helen Keller, who visited his statue in 1937 and expressed a strong desire for an Akita-inu of her own.

Hachi's fame has endured for generations, with Richard Gere starring in the 2009 American drama Hachi: A Dog's Tale, a remake of the 1987 Japanese film The Story of Hachikō.

The film's success is a testament to Hachi's timeless appeal, which continues to inspire people around the world.

Hachi's statue remains a popular spot for visitors to Shibuya Station, where he still waits peacefully amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Today, Hachi's story is remembered as a moving tale of pure affection and unconditional love.