Still Waiting for His Owner in Shibuya... April 8 Is "Loyal Dog Hachi Day" [Sunday Culture]

Commemorative Events Held for Hachi

Hachi Statues Across Japan Symbolize Devotion and Unwavering Waiting

Are you familiar with the story of Hachi? It is a touching tale of a dog who would greet and send off his owner every day on his commute, and even after his owner passed away, he continued to wait at the same spot, at the same time, hoping for his return.

The story is quite well known in Korea as well. In Japan, April 8 is recognized as "Hachi Day." When traveling to Tokyo, the Hachiko Statue in front of Shibuya Station is a must-visit spot. Simple commemorative events for Hachi are held at this location. In fact, there are more hidden places in Tokyo related to Hachi. This week, let me share the story of Hachi Day in Japan.

Hachiko Statue erected at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. The statue is adorned with a flower garland to commemorate Hachiko Day on April 8. Photo by Jeon Jinyoung.

Hachi was an Akita dog born in 1923. When people think of Japanese dogs, Shiba Inu often comes to mind, and at first glance, they look somewhat similar. The difference, however, is their size. Akita is the only large breed among native Japanese dogs. Their body is much bigger than that of a Shiba Inu. They have thick fur, making them well-suited for cold weather, and they are known for their loyalty and stubborn temperament.

The year after he was born, Dr. Eisaburo Ueno of the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture adopted Hachi. It is said that Dr. Ueno loved Hachi so much that they even shared meals daily. Dr. Ueno’s home was in Shibuya, and every day, Hachi would accompany his owner to Shibuya Station as he took the train to work at the university. Hachi would also greet him when he returned in the evening. One day in 1925, Dr. Ueno suddenly collapsed and died of a cerebral hemorrhage during a meeting. He was only 53 years old, which made his passing all the more heartbreaking for those around him.

A view of Akita Prefecture. The Japan Kennel Club Foundation.

After Dr. Ueno's death, Hachi was temporarily cared for by others. However, longing for his owner, Hachi ran away and returned to wait at Shibuya Station for the owner who never came back. This poignant story was reported by the Asahi Shimbun, leading to Hachi becoming known nationwide. In 1934, a statue of Hachi waiting for his owner was erected in front of Shibuya Station. Hachi himself reportedly attended the unveiling ceremony. However, after years of living as a stray at the station, Hachi eventually became ill and passed away at the age of 13. His grave was placed next to his beloved owner, just as he had always wished.

The Stories Behind the Hachi Statues

There are several stories connected to the Hachi statues. The first statue, made in 1934, was requisitioned and melted down during World War II when Japan collected metal for the war effort. The current statue at Shibuya Station, built in 1948, is the second one. There is also a Hachi statue in front of Odate Station in Akita Prefecture, where Hachi was born.

Statues of Dr. Ueno and Hachi standing in front of the Faculty of Agriculture building at the University of Tokyo. X.

The statues in front of the stations typically depict Hachi sitting upright, waiting for his owner. But there are also lesser-known statues. At the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture, for example, there is a statue of Dr. Ueno and Hachi together, welcoming visitors to the campus. Every April 8, in celebration of Hachi Day, related merchandise is sold in front of this statue at the university’s Museum of Agriculture. The thought that Hachi’s wish to see his owner is fulfilled, even in this way, is heartwarming.

Hachi is also used as a symbol of waiting. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, a Hachi statue was erected in Iitate Village, Fukushima Prefecture. The Shibuya Shopping Association set up the statue in the village, which had been abandoned by its residents. The intent was that Hachi would continue to wait until the voices of children could once again be heard in the village. A memorial service is also held on the anniversary of Hachi’s passing.

Hachi Remains Loved... But

Hachi has now become a famous symbol in Japan. The community bus operated by Shibuya Ward is called the "Hachiko Bus," named after the Japanese pronunciation of "Loyal Dog Hachiko." The bus mascot features Hachi with one ear folded down, reflecting a real-life characteristic. Originally, both of Hachi’s ears stood upright, but while waiting for Dr. Ueno, Hachi was severely bitten on the left ear by other stray dogs, leaving it permanently folded. If you look at the Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station, you can see one ear folded down, just like the real Hachi.

Hachiko Bus in Shibuya Ward. Shibuya Ward Office.

However, even after his death, Hachi was not allowed to rest in peace. There were many rumors about the cause of his death. Some speculated that the reason Hachi kept going to Shibuya Station was because kind people would often share grilled chicken skewers sold in front of the station with him. According to this theory, Hachi accidentally swallowed a skewer, which led to his death. However, an autopsy conducted by the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture concluded that Hachi died from a parasite infection and cancer.

Hachi’s body was taxidermied and is now on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan. During the taxidermy process, his folded ear was intentionally restored to its original upright position to showcase the true appearance of the Akita breed. The internal organs removed during the autopsy were preserved as specimens and are currently exhibited at the University of Tokyo’s Museum of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Only a portion of his remains is buried alongside his owner, Dr. Ueno. It is somewhat unsettling to think that even after death, Hachi could not rest peacefully due to human curiosity and desire. Hopefully, Hachi can now put an end to his eternal wait and spend only happy times with Dr. Ueno.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.