The October 4, 1932 newspaper story about Hachi touched people’s hearts and Hachi was referred to as the Loyal Dog Hachi-kō. Along with his popularity, a Hachi-kō bronze statue was created in April 1934, while Hachi was alive. This was...
It took a determined person to change the “sad plight” of Hachi at Shibuya Station. After learning that Japanese native dogs, including Akitas, were on the verge of extinction, Saitō Hirokichi (1899–1964), an art curator by profession,...
Most people did not know why Hachi went to Shibuya Station every day. The former gardener of Professor Ueno, Kobayashi, cared for Hachi in the later years. Kobayashi registered Hachi at the local police station and made sure that Hachi...
In one instant, life suddenly shifted for Hachi. After Professor Ueno’s death, Hachi lived a life of exile for a while. Because she was not legally married to Professor Ueno and had no inheritance rights, his widow Yae had to vacate...
It’s hard to believe that Hachi was only a year and a half years when Professor Ueno passed away. However short their time together, the young Akita was devastated. As was the custom during that period, the wake and funeral service was...
For Hachi and Professor Ueno, everyday was filled with joy! The two were inseparable. In the morning, Hachi could be spotted walking Ueno to the Shibuya train station. At the end of each day, the faithful Akita eagerly returned to...
As soon as Hachi’s health improved in July 1924, his “job” began. Professor Ueno, an accomplished man in his own right, wore many hats. While going to the Komaba campus to teach, on foot, he also went to the Agriculture Ministry’s...
Today, the story of the loyal Akita Hachi is globally recognized through the film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, but in reality, he almost didn’t survive his early days. Upon his arrival at Professor Ueno’s home, the puppy had serious,...
The Meaning behind “Hachi” To this day, there are conflicting theories on just how the beloved Akita of Japan was named. In 1934, Kishi Kazutoshi gave credit to Yae, Dr. Ueno’s wife, in “The Tale of Loyal Dog...
What do we know about Professor Ueno? He was a dog lover, owning sixteen dogs in his lifetime, but his connection with Hachikō was exceptional. The young, sickly Akita had a rough beginning, but it only served to strengthen their bond....
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