Hachiko Statue

Hachiko was an Akita dog known for his unexceptional loyalty for his master. Hachiko Statue in Tokyo is a must visit during one’s visit to Tokyo. Born in a farm near the city of Odate, Akita Prefecture; the dog is also called chuken Hachiko in Japanese language.

Touching Story Behind the Dog’s Fame
It was in the year 1924, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo named Hidesabur? Ueno took Hachiko as his pet. Everyday Hachiko used to accompany the professor to and from the nearby Shibuya Station. It continued till May 1925 until the professor died due to cerebral hemorrhage and didn’t return to the station. But Hachiko for the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days kept visiting the station regularly awaiting his master’s arrival.

How the Dog Captured Everyone’s Attention?
Many people at the station had seen professor and Hachik? together at the station; and soon after the professor’s death, the loyalty of the dog got word-of-mouth popularity. The first article about the dog appeared on October 4, 1932 in Asahi Shimbun. In no time, Hachiko became national sensation. People started bringing treats and food for him at the station.

Statues
A bronze statue of Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station in April 1934. A new statue was contrived in August 1948. A statue has also been erected in hometown of Hachiko.