Hachiko was a white Akita Inu owned by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. His presence at Shibuya Station is recorded in Japanese archives and period photographs that show the reality of his life in Tokyo.
Beyond the popular movies, these sources record how the dog lived and what happened during his nine-year wait at the station.
I use historical images, books, and movies to document the events of his life.
Japanese Akita Dog
Japan designates the Akita Inu as one of six national monuments. [1]
Historically, the breed hunted wild boar, deer, and the Yezo bear – a task requiring immense resilience.
The thick double coat sheds heavily twice a year, so grooming is a constant requirement.
Despite a history of hunting, Akitas are typically affectionate with children, though most retain a stubborn, independent streak.
A hallmark of the breed is the “Akita woo”, a sound between a howl and a moan.
However, the most famous Japanese Akita Dog, Hachikō, captured the hearts of people all around the world with his story of loyalty and devotion.
Agricultural Scientist Hidesaburō Ueno
Hidesaburō Ueno was born on January 19, 1872, in Hisai-shi (now Tsu), Mie Prefecture.
After graduating from Tokyo Imperial University in 1895, he specialized in agricultural engineering and farm implementation research.
His academic career at the university progressed from assistant professor in 1900 to associate professor in 1902.
Ueno’s work focused on the practicalities of arable land readjustment, drainage, and reclamation – expertise that became vital for the reconstruction of Tokyo after the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake.
By 1916, as a full Professor, Ueno took charge of agricultural engineering lectures and established a specialized department to formalize the field. His career ended abruptly on May 21, 1925, when he suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage during a lecture.
He is buried at Aoyama Cemetery, recognized as a foundational figure in modern Japanese agriculture. [2]
Hachiko and Professor Ueno
In 1924, Hachiko, a white Akita, began living in Tokyo with Professor Hidesaburō Ueno. When the puppy arrived, he was in poor, weak shape from the long train journey and nearly died. Professor Ueno and his partner, Yaeko, nursed the puppy back to health over several months.
Every morning, Hachiko walked Ueno to the station for his commute, and every evening, he returned to the plaza to meet the arriving train.
This daily pattern lasted until May 21, 1925. While Hachiko waited at the station, Professor Ueno suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage during a lecture at Tokyo Imperial University.
When the evening train arrived and Ueno did not appear, Hachiko remained at his post.
Unaware of the Professor’s death, the dog continued to return to the station day after day, expecting his master’s return.
Life at the Train Station for 10 Years, 9 Months, and 15 Days
Initially, not all travelers at the train station were friendly towards Hachiko, but this changed on October 4, 1932, when a newspaper article about the dog was published.
Hirokichi Saito, one of Professor Ueno’s former students, saw Hachiko at the station and followed him to the home of Ueno’s former gardener.
Saito published several articles about Hachiko’s remarkable loyalty, and in 1932, one of his articles in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper brought national attention to the dog.
The headline read: “Tale of a Poor Old Dog: Patiently Waiting for Seven Years for the Dead Owner”.
From then on, people brought him food and treats and even organized themselves to cover his vet costs.
Hachiko had made many friends at the train station who were touched by his story. [3]
The Final Goodbye
In April 1934, a bronze statue of Hachiko, sculpted by Teru Ando, was erected at Shibuya Station. Hachiko himself was present at the unveiling!
Although the original statue was melted down for scrap metal during World War II, a replacement was created in 1948 by Takeshi Ando, the son of the original sculptor.
Hachiko’s ten-year wait ended on March 8, 1935, when he was found dead on a street near Shibuya Station at the age of 11.
Scientists determined in March 2011 that his death was caused by terminal cancer and a filariasis infection.
In a final tribute to their bond, Hachiko’s ashes were interred in Aoyama Cemetery, placed directly beside the grave of Professor Ueno. His fur was preserved and taxidermied, and it remains on permanent display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, Tokyo. [4]
Cultural Impact and Global Legacy
Hachiko’s story transitioned from a Japanese national symbol to a global cultural phenomenon through various media adaptations.
The first major cinematic portrayal, the 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari, brought the story to a modern audience, followed by the 2009 Hollywood remake, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, starring Richard Gere.
Beyond cinema, Hachiko has become a permanent part of Tokyo’s urban identity.
The “Hachikō-guchi” (Hachiko Entrance) at Shibuya Station is one of the city’s most famous meeting points, while the story is frequently used in Japanese schools to teach children the values of loyalty and perseverance.
Famous Books
In terms of books, the most famous work is Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela S. Turner.
This acclaimed work, often awarded for its educational value, approaches the historical events through the perspective of a fictional young boy named Kentaro. By imagining the interactions between the child and the Akita, Turner makes the ten-year wait accessible to younger readers.
The book is noted for its “unsentimental presentation,” choosing to focus on the quiet reality of the dog’s daily life rather than over-dramatizing the events.
The illustrations, inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock prints, help recreate the atmosphere of the Shōwa era, showing the contrast between traditional kimonos and the emerging Western influence in 1920s Tokyo.
In her author’s note, Turner explains that her inspiration came from living in Tokyo and seeing the bronze monument at Shibuya Station, which remains the city’s most iconic meeting point.
“Hachiko Waits” by Lesléa Newman (2004)
Awarded as a Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street, this novel provides a more lyrical and emotional take on the historical events.
The narrative is driven by the relationship between the faithful Akita and a young boy named Yasuo, who takes on the role of his caretaker after the Professor’s death.
While the story is “profoundly sad,” according to critics, it is noted for its ability to balance tragedy with a hopeful message about the human-animal bond.
A key feature of this edition is the artwork by Machiyo Kodaira, a Tokyo native.
Her illustrations are praised for being “authentically Japanese,” providing a visual truth that grounds the emotional story in its original cultural setting.
“Hachi-Ko: The Samurai Dog” by Shizuko O. Koster
This book brings to life the remarkable story of Tokyo’s “four-legged hero” during the turbulent 1930s. Shizuko O. Koster, drawing on stories from her mother’s generation, reveals the striking reality of Hachi-Ko’s life: while he was honored with a statue and celebrated by thousands, he was actually living as a wild street dog in a drainpipe.
Once the cherished pet of Professor Eizaburo Ueno, Hachi-Ko became a national symbol for his undying loyalty.
For seven years, he returned to Shibuya Station like clockwork every single day, despite having to fight off delinquents, dogcatchers, and vicious strays.
Even today, he remains famous as the “samurai dog of Japan,” a testament to a devotion that never faded.
Famous Movies
Hachiko Monogatari (1987) – This Japanese film is based on Hachiko’s life and stars Tatsuya Nakadai as Professor Ueno.
As for movies, the most well-known film about Hachiko is the 2009 American movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”.
Starring Richard Gere, the movie tells the story of Hachiko’s life and his incredible bond with Professor Ueno.
It is a touching and emotional film that has become a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.
Conclusion
The story of Hachiko remains a remarkable testament to the loyalty and love that dogs are capable of showing to their owners. Throughout the years, this narrative has touched the hearts of people worldwide, becoming the subject of numerous books, movies, and other media.
As a researcher, I have collected a vast amount of information on this topic, exploring various books and films that shed light on different aspects of Hachiko’s journey.
This research even led me to write a movie script about the Sarplaninac dog, another breed defined by its courage and devotion.
From Hachiko’s unwavering loyalty to his master to the touching bond he formed with those at the train station, his legacy continues to move people across generations.
In a world where it is easy to become cynical, Hachiko’s story reminds us of the simple but powerful connection between humans and animals.
We can learn a great deal from his steadfast devotion and the impact he had on everyone around him. Hachiko may be gone, but his story lives on as a shining example of pure and selfless love.
Sources:
- Clever, Obedient, and Cute! The Charm of Japanese Dogs Like Shiba-Inu and Akita (more information).
- Hidesaburō Ueno (more information).
- Thangham, Chris V. (August 17, 2007). “Dog faithfully awaits return of his master for past 11 years”. Digital Journal.
- Ovako je izgledao pravi Hačiko, verni pas koji je 9 godina na stanici čekao pokojnog vlasnika (more information).
Tell me, is there a more detailed description of the life of Hachiko and Professor Ueno? How did they live before the tragedy? What was their relationship like? How much did Ueno love Hachiko?
Hi Svetlana,
Thank you for your comment! I’m glad to see your interest in the story of Hachiko and Professor Ueno. The article covers the main aspects of their story, but there’s definitely more depth to their lives and relationship.
For a more detailed account of their lives before the tragedy, including how they lived and the nature of their bond, you might want to explore additional sources such as books or documentaries about Hachiko.
I appreciate your feedback and will consider including more details in future updates to the article.
Alen Stefanovic