"HACHIKO", A TRUE STORY

 

"HACHIKO", A TRUE STORY

Hachiko was a dog born in 1923 on a farm near the town of Odate, Akita Prefecture. He was picked up by Professor Ueno Hidesaburo, who took him to his home, not far from Shibuya train station. Every morning, while the professor was on his way to work, Hachiko accompanied his master, walking with him to Shibuya train station. The dog would watch as his master disappeared into the train station, Hachiko would then sit in the small square in front of the train station and wait for his master's return. 

 

This became a daily routine for a year, until one day in May 1925 Professor Ueno did not return. Hachiko did not know that his master had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died. Every day for the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days, Hachiko appeared at the door of the train station just as the train that was to bring back his owner was arriving. 

The story of the dog who never gave up gained much local and national news attention, inspiring many people to visit Hachiko at Shibuya Station to offer him treats. During these nine years, Hachiko was cared for by relatives of the teacher, but he never gave up his vigil at the train station in the hope of seeing his master again. 

 

Hachiko's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty that impressed the people of Japan as an example of faithfulness. Finally, Hachiko himself died on March 8, 1935. A year before his death, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station.

In 2009, the story was made into a Hollywood movie "Always by your side, Hachiko" in which Richard Gere played the character of Professor Ueno Hidesaburo.