Hachiko – The Loyal Japanese dog: From the eyes of an Indian traveler 忠誠心と忍耐の象徴 (ハチ公)
About a month away on March 8 is the death anniversary of Hachiko who had died waiting for his master on this date in 1935.
TOKYO: It was just another day, and I was running to catch my train for office at Shibuya train station. But once again, I could not help stop myself from giving a glance at the bronze statue of Hachiko “The dog” from the second floor of the station.
Just like any other day, Mr. Hachiko was surrounded by a lot of people, mostly the Japanese. They were lining up to click pictures with their hero.
This story is about a famous Japanese dog Hachiko – a celebrated hero.
How much Hachiko is famous in Japan is evident from the fact that there have been many movies made on his life, including Hachiko “The Dog” in Hollywood, with Richard Gere starring in it.
The story starts in 1923, at Akita prefecture of Japan, where “Hachiko” was born.
In 1924, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University, brought him to Shibuya, Tokyo, as his pet. Hachiko was so close to his master, he used to accompany him every day to the station and then used to wait every afternoon for his master to return.
One day, the professor didn’t return due to sudden death at his workplace, but Hachiko didn’t understand that his master is no more. So for more than nine years, until he also died, he lived as a stray and continued coming to the station every day to see if his master is back.
Hachiko waited for his master for nine years, nine months and fifteen days, 8th March’ 1935 was his last day as he died on the date at the age of 11.
During his 9+ years of wait, Hachiko attracted the attention of many passengers, but after the first article about Hachiko in Asahi Shinbun “Japanese newspaper” that was published in 1932, people started coming to see him and used to bring food for him to support him in his wait.
It is also said, that the professor named him Hachiko (Hachi means 8 in Japanese) because his legs were slightly crooked and resembled the Japanese kanji that represents the number 8 (八 – Hachi). Later after Hachiko’s death, a bronze statue was placed near Gate No. 8 of Shibuya station.
It is also notable that there are many exits at Shibuya station named door 1, 2, 3, etc. but for exit 8, they call it Hachiko exit. A similar statue has been placed in Hachiko’s hometown, in front of Odate Station.
Currently, many stores in the Shibuya area have started placing Hachiko’s statue at the entrance to attract visitors. Some stores also sell Hachiko shaped cookies, cakes, and candies.
Every year on 8th March, Hachiko’s loyalty is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya. Many dog lovers each year visit the service to honor his devotion to his master and to respect his patience.
