Anyone who has visited Tokyo's Shibuya district is likely to have a lasting impression of the "Faithful Dog Hachiko" statue in front of Shibuya Station. This Akita dog, affectionately known as "Hachiko", is arguably Japan's most famous canine. His story of unwavering loyalty, waiting for his deceased owner at the station for years, is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
Recently, Japanese netizens have been discussing Hachiko's poignant image of waiting alone for his owner. However, many are unaware that there is a heartwarming statue at the University of Tokyo depicting Hachiko reunited with his owner. A Japanese netizen, known as "Yūka", shared their enthusiasm for this statue, which quickly gained thousands of likes and shares.
The Story of Hachiko
In 1925, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, a faculty member at the University of Tokyo, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage during a lecture. His loyal Akita dog, Hachiko, would continue to visit Shibuya Station daily, awaiting his master's return. This display of loyalty captivated the hearts of many Japanese people, leading to numerous works and statues commemorating Hachiko.
The first bronze statue of Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station in 1934, but it was recycled during World War II. The current statue, created by Takeshi Andō in 1948, remains a popular landmark and meeting spot.
A New Perspective: Hachiko at the University of Tokyo
In 2015, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Hachiko's passing, a new bronze statue was unveiled at the University of Tokyo. Sculpted by Tsutomu Ueda, this statue shows Hachiko joyfully greeting Professor Ueno, offering a contrasting narrative to the solitary figure at Shibuya Station.
This lesser-known statue is located near the Graduate School of Agriculturel and Life Sciences, accessible from Todaimae Station. It provides a heartwarming alternative to the often melancholic image of Hachiko waiting alone.
Legacy of Hachiko
Hachiko's story has been immortalized in various films, including the Hollywood movie "Hachi: A Dog's Story" (2009). His legacy extends beyond Japan, with statues erected in his hometown of Ōdate and even in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA.
For those interested in seeing the real Hachiko, his taxidermied remains are on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
