About
When you pass through the hustle and bustle of Shibuya Station, you will find an Akita dog quietly sitting there. His name is Hachiko. His story is deeply engraved in people’s hearts across time.
Born in 1923 near Odate City in Akita Prefecture, Hachi was welcomed as the beloved dog of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno of Tokyo Imperial University. Every morning, when Professor Ueno left for work from Shibuya Station, Hachi would see him off, and it became a daily routine for them to reunite at the station in the evening. However, in 1925, Professor Ueno suddenly passed away. Even so, Hachi continued to wait at Shibuya Station every day, believing in his master’s return. This continued for nine years, and eventually, he became known among people as “the faithful dog Hachiko.”
In 1934, to honor Hachi’s loyalty, a bronze statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station. Hachi himself attended the unveiling ceremony, and many people watched over him. However, during World War II, the original statue was removed for metal supply. After the war, in 1948, sculptor Takeshi Ando rebuilt it, and it is now cherished as the current Hachiko statue.
The Hachiko statue is used by many people as a symbol of Shibuya and as a meeting spot. Behind the statue spreads the “Shibuya Hachiko-mae Garden,” where about 70 types of plants are planted, offering a moment of peace amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
Hachiko’s story is widely known both in Japan and abroad through movies and books, and his loyalty still touches the hearts of many people. When you visit Shibuya, why not stop in front of the Hachiko statue and reflect on his story?