Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog Who Waited For His Deceased Owner for Ten Years

Every day between 1925 and 1935, Hachiko, a dog with unwavering loyalty, would turn Tokyo's Shibuya train station into the stage for his daily vigil, hoping against hope for his dead master's return.

Hachiko was not just a pet; He was the loyal companion of a university professor, who dutifully waited every evening at the local train station for his master to return from work.

Tragedy struck when the professor died suddenly, leaving Hachiko to continue monitoring the station for nearly a decade.

Hachiko continued with his daily routine, undeterred by the occasional disapproval from the station staff.

Over time, Hachiko's unwavering dedication touched the hearts of the station staff, turning him into an international sensation and symbol of loyalty.

This is the true story of a dog named Hachiko, whose devotion made him the most loyal dog in history.

Hachiko, a white Akita, came into the world on November 10, 1923, on a farm in Odate, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

Meanwhile, Professor Ueno Hidesaburo of the Department of Agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) was looking for a purebred Japanese dog. A thoughtful student working at Akita secured the dog for Ueno from Saito.

Known for their large size, gentle temperament and thick, furry coat, Akita-Inu dogs have gained global popularity for their unwavering loyalty.

Originating through cross-breeding of Matagi hunting dogs and local breeds in the 1630s, they were developed for their strength in battle.

In January 1924, a 50-day-old puppy, bundled snugly in a bag of rice to escape the winter cold, set out on a 20-hour train journey to Tokyo's Ueno Station.

Shortly after, he was sent to Ueno Hidesaburō's home near Shibuya Station.

Despite being childless, the professor showered the puppy with affection, letting it lie under his bed and taking it with him for meals.

The name Hachi was chosen for the dog because, when it stood, its front legs formed the shape of the character 八, which means "eight" and was called Hachi.

Every day, Ueno would make his daily journey to work, following a familiar routine with Hachikō. In the morning, the pair would walk to Shibuya Station, where Yuno would catch a train to her workplace.

After finishing his classes for the day, Yuno would return by train and reach the station on time at 3 pm. There, Hachiko waited patiently for his companion, ready to accompany him on the journey home.

This routine continued until 21 May 1925, when Ueno failed to return.

The professor suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while he was lecturing to his class, and died without ever returning to the train station where Hachiko was waiting.

Despite this disruption to his routine, Hachiko returned at the same time the next day, hoping that Yuno would be there to meet him.

But, of course, the professor did not come home. Yet Hachiko, the loyal Akita, never lost hope.

Even after Hachiko is abandoned after his master passes away, he continues to leave quietly for Shibuya Station at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, hoping to meet the professor.

Every single day, for the next 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days, Hachiko went to the station morning and evening, where he waited outside the ticket gate, whether it was raining, snowing, or shining.

It seemed he was always hoping that his master would eventually return. Soon, the lonely dog started attracting the attention of other travelers.

In the beginning, the station staff are not that friendly towards Hachiko, but his loyalty wins them over.

Soon, he started bringing gifts for the dedicated dog and even staying with him from time to time.

As days turned into weeks, then months and years, daily attendance at Hachiko Station remained constant. His influence reached far, making him an icon in the Shibuya community.

Eventually, Professor Ueno's former student and expert on the Akita breed, Hirokichi Saito, learned of Hachiko's story.