About
As you walk along the tranquil paths of Aoyama Cemetery, gravestones quietly appear among the lush green trees. One of them bears the name of Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno, an agricultural scholar at the University of Tokyo. He was a great figure who laid the foundation for agricultural engineering in Japan and nurtured many engineers. However, what gives this grave a special significance is the small shrine that stands beside it. This is a monument dedicated to the loyal dog Hachiko.
In 1924, Dr. Ueno acquired the Akita dog he had long wished for and named him Hachi. Every morning, Hachi would see the doctor off at Shibuya Station, and in the evenings, he would wait at the station for his return. However, in May 1925, Dr. Ueno suddenly passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage. Even so, Hachi continued to wait at Shibuya Station every day, believing in his master's return. This sight moved the hearts of many people, and Hachiko eventually became known throughout the country as the loyal dog.
On March 8, 1935, Hachi passed away at the age of eleven. After his death, a small shrine was built next to Dr. Ueno's grave, becoming a monument honoring Hachi's loyalty. This place became an eternal resting place where the master and his beloved dog could once again be together.
In May 2016, the remains of Dr. Ueno's wife, Yaeko, were also interred at this gravesite. In this way, the family, long separated, was reunited, as if they had met again in heaven.
This corner of Aoyama Cemetery is a place where the story of love and loyalty quietly lives on. Visitors can reflect on Hachiko's undying loyalty and the deep bonds of the Ueno family, spending a heartwarming moment there.