Hachiko: The True Story of the Real Dog

The legend of Hachikō, the devoted dog who waited daily at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station for his master, even long after his death, resonates deeply across the globe. Many know the bronze statue standing outside the station, a famous meeting point and tourist landmark. But fewer realize the profound true story behind the statue, the story of the Hachiko Real Dog. As we mark the centenary of his birth, the tale of this remarkable Akita Inu’s loyalty continues to inspire.

From Provincial Beginnings to Tokyo Life

Hachikō’s story begins not in the bustling capital, but roughly 600 kilometers north, in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture. He was born in November 1923, part of an Akita-inu litter belonging to farmer Saitō Yoshikazu. The Akita-inu breed, designated a “natural monument” in Japan, is known for its large stature, calm demeanor, thick coat, and profound loyalty to its owners. Originating possibly in the 1630s from cross-breeding Matagi hunting dogs with local varieties, these dogs possess a quiet dignity that has earned them fans worldwide.

Around the time of Hachikō’s birth, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo), was searching for a purebred Japanese dog. A student working in Akita facilitated the acquisition, connecting Ueno with Saitō. In January 1924, the young puppy, merely 50 days old, was carefully wrapped in a rice bag for warmth and embarked on a 20-hour train journey to Ueno Station in Tokyo. From there, he was delivered to Professor Ueno’s home near Shibuya Station.

A Master’s Love and a Faithful Companion

Professor Ueno, who had no children, quickly grew fond of the small pup. He showered Hachi with affection, allowing him to sleep beneath his bed and even share meal times. The professor named him Hachi, observing that the dog’s forelegs, when standing, resembled the Japanese character for “eight” (八, pronounced hachi). The suffix “kō” is an affectionate addition, leading to the name Hachikō known today.

Under the devoted care of Ueno and his common-law wife, Yae, Hachi thrived, growing into a strong and healthy Akita. A deep bond formed between the professor and his dog. Hachi began accompanying Ueno each morning on his walk to Shibuya Station for his commute. Then, reliably, Hachi would return to the station in the evening to await his master’s arrival home.

Statue of Hachiko greeting Professor Ueno at University of Tokyo campus

Sudden Loss and Unwavering Vigil

This heartwarming routine lasted only 16 months. On May 21, 1925, Hachi saw Professor Ueno off at Shibuya Station as usual. Tragically, later that day, during a faculty meeting, the 53-year-old professor suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage. He never returned to the station where Hachi waited.

That evening, Hachi waited patiently, but his master did not appear. Returning home alone, the dog seemed to sense the tragedy, huddling with the clothes Ueno had worn that day. He reportedly refused food for three days, consumed by grief. Because Yae was Ueno’s common-law wife, she couldn’t inherit their Shibuya house and had to move. Hachi was initially taken in by acquaintances, first in Nihonbashi, then Asakusa, and later lived with Yae again in Setagaya. Despite these moves, Hachi repeatedly tried to return to Shibuya Station.

Photograph of the real dog Hachiko known for his loyalty

Eventually, Professor Ueno’s former gardener, Kobayashi Kikuzaburō, who lived near the original Ueno home in Shibuya, learned of Hachi’s persistent journeys and took the loyal dog into his care. From then on, Hachi resumed his vigil. Every morning and every evening, regardless of the weather, he would appear outside the Shibuya Station ticket gates, patiently scanning the crowds, seemingly holding onto the hope that his beloved master would one day return.

A Nation Learns of Hachiko’s Loyalty

Hachi’s unwavering devotion did not go unnoticed forever. In 1932, Saitō Hirokichi, founder of the Japanese Dog Preservation Society, was deeply touched by the dog’s story. He wrote an article for a major newspaper (a forerunner of the Asahi Shimbun), detailing how Hachi had faithfully waited for his deceased master for seven long years. The tale quickly captured the hearts of people across Japan and even internationally.

As Hachi aged, public concern for the weary dog grew. Station staff began looking out for him, and his story was shared widely through newspapers and radio. His fame blossomed, and locals advocated for a monument to honor his loyalty. Funds were raised through volunteers, and in 1934, a bronze statue measuring 162 centimeters high on a 180-centimeter pedestal was erected outside the Shibuya Station entrance. The Hachiko Real Dog himself was present at the unveiling ceremony on April 21.

Final Years and Enduring Legacy

Sadly, Hachikō’s wait ended on March 8, 1935. Weakened by a parasitic infection, he passed away near Shibuya Station at the age of 13 (roughly 90 in human years). He had maintained his vigil for Professor Ueno for nearly a decade after his master’s death.

Hachi’s funeral, held on March 12, was attended by many mourners, including Yae, station staff, and members of the public. His remains were buried alongside Professor Ueno’s grave in Aoyama Cemetery, Tokyo, where a gravestone for Hachi still stands. Demonstrating his cultural significance, Hachi’s pelt was preserved and mounted; it remains on display at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo. The original Shibuya statue was recycled for metal during World War II in 1944, but such was Hachi’s enduring importance that a new statue was commissioned and installed in 1948, just three years after the war’s end.

Hachikō’s fame continued to spread globally. Helen Keller visited the statue in 1937 and was so moved she acquired an Akita-inu puppy herself. Decades later, the story reached a new generation through film. In 2009, Richard Gere starred in the Hollywood adaptation Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, a remake of the 1987 Japanese film The Story of Hachikō. Gere, who also produced the American version, has spoken about being moved to tears upon first reading the script.

Richard Gere with the dog actor from Hachi: A Dogs Tale at Rome Film Fest 2009

An Everlasting Symbol

Saitō Hirokichi, the man who helped bring Hachikō’s story to light, offered a poignant reflection: interpreting Hachi’s actions through a human lens suggests honorable service, but it was likely simpler – pure, unconditional love for the master who showed him kindness. This absolute affection, Saitō believed, is characteristic of many dogs.

Shibuya has transformed dramatically since Hachikō’s time, now a forest of towering skyscrapers and flashing screens. Yet, amidst the modern chaos, the bronze statue of Hachikō remains a steadfast presence. It serves not only as a popular landmark but as a timeless reminder of the hachiko real dog and the incredible power of loyalty and love that transcends even death.