Hachiko is a dog that probably needs no introduction. A symbol of loyalty and endless love, Hachiko has become a cultural phenomenon, a symbol not only of his native Japan, but also of the entire world.
The golden-brown purebred Akita was born in the late fall of 1923 on a farm in Edate, Akita Prefecture, Japan. A year later, Hachiko was adopted by Professor Hidezaburo Ueno, who brought him to Shibuya in Tokyo.
Hidezaburo Ueno was a professor in the Faculty of Agriculture who taught at the University of Tokyo. The man would take the train to his work, and Hachiko would meet him on the way back.
At the end of each day, the golden-brown dog would leave the house and wait for his master at Shibuya Station. Then, on May 21, 1925, Hidezaburo Ueno unfortunately did not return home.
It took the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days as Hachiko patiently waited for his owner at the same station every day.
After his owner died in 1925, Hachiko still waited for him every day at the station
Of course, passengers were quick to notice Hachiko. Many of them saw the faithful friend and his owner Hidezaburo walking home from the said station. Not everyone was friendly to the dog, at least until October 4, 1932, when the first article about Hachiko was published – after that the dog got everyone’s attention and people often brought him food and treats.
The article was written by one of Hidezaburo Ueno’s former students. The student was writing his dissertation on the Akita dog breed, and after seeing one at the train station, he followed Hachiko home to Kuzaboro Kobayashi, the late professor’s former gardener. The student learned Hachiko’s life story from Kuzaboro and soon published a documentary census of Akitas in Japan. According to it, there were only 30 purebred Akitas left in Japan, one of which was Hachiko from Shibuya Station.
After that, Hachiko became famous all over the country
People came to Shibuya Station to pet Hachiko and bring him treats
It is said that a former student of the professor visited Hachiko frequently and published several articles about the dog and his devotion over the years. Hachiko soon became a national sensation. The Japanese were deeply impressed and touched by the dog’s love and devotion. Throughout the country, Hachiko became a shining example of the loyalty that parents teach their children.
In 1934, the affectionate Akita Hachiko was immortalized in a bronze statue by the famous Japanese artist Teru Ando. Unfortunately, the bronze statue was taken away as scrap metal for military purposes during World War II. However, thanks to the efforts of the sculptor’s son, a second statue of the faithful Akita was created in 1948 and still stands today.
After waiting for ten years for the return of his owner, Hachiko died on March 8, 1935, at which time the loving dog was 11 years old. It wasn’t until 2011 that scientists were able to definitively determine the cause of Hachiko’s death – apparently the good boy had terminal cancer and lymphatic filariasis.
He was buried next to his owner.
After Hachiko’s death, his remains were cremated and his ashes were interred at Aoyama Cemetery in Minato, Tokyo. The fur of the good dog was preserved and made into a stuffed animal, which is in the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
Source: 4tololo.com
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