The Hachiko Statue stands as a symbol of loyalty and devotion in Shibuya, Tokyo. The statue commemorates Hachiko, an Akita Inu dog born in 1923 who belonged to Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo. Hachiko would meet Ueno at Shibuya Station every day after work. Even after Ueno's sudden death in 1925, Hachiko continued to wait at the station daily for nearly ten years until his own death in 1935.
The initial statue was erected in 1934, sculpted by Teru Ando, with Hachiko himself present at the unveiling. This statue was melted down for metal during World War II. A new statue, created by Takeshi Ando, Teru’s son, was erected in 1948 and stands to this day.
Hachiko's story gained widespread attention through an article in the Asahi Shimbun in 1932, written by Saito Hirokichi, a former student of Ueno. This article transformed Hachiko into a national symbol of loyalty. The dog's preserved remains are on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
There are various locations and events dedicated to Hachiko. In 2015, on the 80th anniversary of Hachiko's death, a statue was unveiled at the University of Tokyo showing a joyful reunion between Hachiko and Professor Ueno. Additionally, the annual Hachiko Memorial Ceremony is held at Shibuya Station every April 8th, attended by hundreds of dog lovers.
Hachiko has influenced popular culture, inspiring several films, books, and stories. The most notable is the 1987 Japanese film "Hachiko Monogatari" and the 2009 American movie "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" starring Richard Gere. These films have further cemented Hachiko's status as a global icon of faithfulness.
In addition to the statue at Shibuya Station, there are other tributes to Hachiko around Japan. A bronze statue of Hachiko stands at the Odate Station in Odate, Akita Prefecture, where Hachiko was born. The Akita Dog Museum in Odate also has exhibits dedicated to Hachiko.
Hachiko remains a beloved figure in Japan and around the world, representing unwavering loyalty and the deep bond between humans and their pets.