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Behind the Scenes with Joan Allen – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale

Behind The FilmhachiJoan Allen

“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” Behind the Scenes: In the scene, Parker’s wife, Cate (Joan Allen), reminds the family that the dog is only a temporary guest. In real life, Joan is as classy and feminine as one can be. Few people know that Richard...

Vicki Wong & Hachi

Vicki Wong & Hachi
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale was inspired by a combination of Hachikō’s true story and the friendship with my own dog, Hachi, a constant source of joy and comfort.

I created this space to share Hachi’s powerful story and all he represents with the world. My mission is to promote compassion and respect for our cherished animal friends.

About Vicki Wong & Hachi >

Be Hachi. Be Happy.

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The Joy of Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
“If you don’t A.S.K. you don’t G.E.T.” I f “If you don’t A.S.K. you don’t G.E.T.” I first heard this from a successful entrepreneur who I worked with on a project in Honolulu years ago, and it’s opened up some real opportunities ever since then — like how I got my mentor for my Hachi: A Dog’s Tale film at a dinner party. 

I’ll always remember her advice because it sparked an instant connection with someone who ignited my dream that eventually came true. This can work for you too. 

Another friend (a surgeon/businessman) told me that he regularly called up people for advice after reading about them in the media. I was surprised that he was able to connect with these high profile individuals.

He told me two things: (1) Be friendly to their secretaries when you call. They are often the gatekeepers. (2) You’d be amazed at how even prominent people love to be asked for advice. Not for money. Not for a favor. Not for a connection. Simply to be asked for advice. 

Whether it plays to their ego, or whatever the reason — no matter. This man was proof positive that it works. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Have you ever had periods when everything seemed t Have you ever had periods when everything seemed to be on crisis mode?

In a short space of time: you lose your keys, your Covid test is positive, the car battery goes dead, a routine health screening detects potential issues, your computer just dies…

And even the UPS package you sent gets delivered back to you. (This one actually happened to me the other week — and this was a mistake during routing!) 

During these stress tornadoes, you feel overwhelmed and even hopeless.

Of course, it’s natural to worry when issues start falling around you like dominoes, but here’s the thing: While we can’t control what happens to us, we can control our reactions. 

Stress is our interpretation about events, and can have profound implications on our overall health and emotional wellbeing.

The solution? Try shifting the narrative to channel these destructive, intrusive thoughts.

I’ve had my set of challenges along the way, yet always try to reframe them by thinking, “If it doesn’t kill me, I can always write about it!” 😅

You can choose your own mantra that resonates with you. 

Yet the ultimate protection from these energy vampires is to surround yourself with light & bright positivity. Reach out to your most vibrant and supportive friends. Their very presence will envelop you with calm and strength. It works. 

In times like these, it’s comforting to remember that we can use every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. In fact, some of the best opportunities (relationships, travel, business…) popped up when I was forced to seek a fresh direction. 

And one good thing leads to another…

Embrace The Hachi Spirit! (see bio) 💫
Do you believe in destiny? 🔮 Teru Ando sculpt Do you believe in destiny? 🔮 

Teru Ando sculpted the original Hachi sculpture in 1934, but it was melted down during World War II. In 1948, a new statue sculpted by Teru Ando’s son Takeshi was created in its place. At Shibuya Station, the north-side exit is named the Hachiko exit, and his statue is located at Hachiko Plaza. Today, it’s a popular tourist sight and meeting place. 

I recently discovered that Teizo, my grandfather, and his high school friend, Hirokichi Saito (the man who made Hachi famous), were classmates with Ando in art school! 

Not knowing any of this, in 2009, 75 years after the original scupture was made, I produced Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. 🐶

I believe there are no coincidences in life. 

You’re here because you’re meant to make a unique impact on the world.

Embrace The Hachi Spirit! 💫
If you loved my film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, you If you loved my film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, you’ll be fascinated by Hachiko’s “Truth is stranger than fiction” story of intrigue and deception. It rips the curtain away to discover the true-life facts behind the world’s most beloved Akita. 
 
In tribute to the 88th annual Remembrance Day of Hachi, I’m announcing the launch of the new Hachiko biography, Hachiko: At the Centennial of his Birth, by author Mayumi Itoh. 🚀
 
Offering a substantial revision to her ground-breaking Hachiko: Solving Twenty Mysteries About the Most Famous Dog in Japan (2017), this updated book incorporates new discoveries about Hachi, as well as the truth surrounding the people around him.
 
I’ve always been fascinated by people’s inner lives. Everyone has such fascinating life chapters, they're beautiful, and their stories matter.  
 
As Hachiko’s incredible story reveals, it took many compassionate individuals to support this one Akita dog’s journey in 1930’s Japan —from sickly puppy to iconic stardom. 
 
This I know for sure — that each act of kindness, in our actions or words, strengthens our souls & bonds all of us together. That’s The Hachi Spirit!  💫
 
(Now available at Amazon.com — Hachiko: At the Centennial of his Birth, by author Mayumi Itoh.)
One afternoon, a powerful thought filled my head — “This moment in time is perfect…”

What was I thinking of that triggered this overwhelming feeling of sheer joy, along with acknowledgement of the impermanence of life? 

Watching the vivid sunset from my South Pacific home? No. Celebrating New Years Eve at Annabel’s in London? No. Marlin fishing in Vanuatu? No.

In that instant, a vivid image of my parents flashed into my mind. They were in a car heading to another event (they were social dynamos), laughing, talking and completely in the moment. 

“This moment in time is perfect…” and the next thought was, “I need to soak in this feeling because it won’t always be this way.” 

It’s easy to take for granted your everyday routine, hopping into your car, going out to a movie theater, having lunch with a close friend, hopping onto an airplane, or seeing your parents.

Until, one day, you can’t. 

(Embrace The Hachi Spirit! Click the link in the bio.)
Can you relate? You are a beautiful soul. I find Can you relate? 

You are a beautiful soul. I find that sensitivity develops the most in people who experience hurt, trauma or are naturally introverted. 

You empathize with others by feeling their emotions and detecting invisible pain with your acute emotional radar. This gift is expressed in your creative work. 

You are not alone. 

Some of the most violated woman are the most outwardly successful. They channel their pain into jet fuel for their careers — to prove to themselves, and others, that they are indeed worthy. 

Years back, I wrote a magazine article about respected, high-profile professionals who were abused (whether physically or emotionally) as children and used their trauma to fuel phenomenal success. 

But whether for love or attention, their ambition was insatiable. They were filling a bottomless pit in their heart. 

Your ability to sense the truth in others may be a part of your life purpose on earth. 

All I know is that you have a pure Hachi heart! Your generous words, compassion and kindness to others makes our world a better place.

You matter. ❤️

(A note to a Facebook friend who shared her violent past with me.)
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