Do you know about Hachiko? That’s right, it’s the bronze statue of a dog located in front of Shibuya Station. Along with Shibuya Crossing, it’s a symbol of Shibuya and a popular photo spot for many tourists. Thanks to a Hollywood movie, Hachiko has become beloved by people all over the world. In 2023, Hachiko celebrated its 100th birthday. In this article, I will explore the story of Hachiko and introduce places related to Hachiko.
The Story of Hachiko, the Loyal Dog
In 1923, there was a dog named Hachi born in Odate City, present-day Akita Prefecture. The dog was kept by Eizaburo Ueno, a university professor in Tokyo. He died suddenly the year after he started keeping Hachi. Hachi commuted to Shibuya station to meet his owner and waited for a long time. It is said that he waited for about 10 years. When a newspaper article reported on Hachiko’s condition, people were so impressed that he became known as “Loyal Dog Hachiko”.
Hachiko Spots around Shibuya Station
Statue of Hachiko
The name of the ticket gate of JR Shibuya Station is “Hachiko Exit”. The origin of this name is the statue of Hachiko that was erected in 1934. Since then, the statue has been a symbol of Shibuya. It has been well known in Japan as a meeting place in front of the station. Nowadays, it is often surrounded by tourists taking commemorative photos.
The wall of Shibuya Station
On the wall facing Hachiko Plaza at JR Shibuya Station, there is a ceramic relief board. It was installed in 1990 to commemorate the naming of the plaza as Hachiko Plaza.
Hachiko Goods
On the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square (right in front of you as you exit Shibuya Sky!), there is “Hachi-Furu SHIBUYA MEETS AKITA”. Here you can buy original Hachiko goods and items from Akita Prefecture, Hachiko’s hometown. On the ground floor, where sweets are lined up, you can buy sweets with Hachiko motifs as well.
The article of “All about Shibuya” is available from here.
Hachiko’s Hometown Odate City, Akita Prefecture
Hachiko is an Akita Dog breed. Akita Dogs are native to Odate City, Akita Prefecture, and Hachiko was born there. Odate City, which can be said to be Hachiko’s hometown, also has a place associated with Hachiko.
Hachiko Shrine is located inside Odate Station. Outside the station building is a statue of Hachiko similar to the one at Shibuya Station.
In Akita Prefecture, there are several places where visitors can meet Akita Dogs of the same breed as Hachiko. Although the places and times are limited, we hope you will be able to see the lovable dog in person.
Trivia about Hachiko
Is it true that I can still see Hachiko?
The answer is yes. At the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno, you can see Hachiko in stuffed form. Try to imagine what he looked like back then. I recommend the National Museum of Nature and Science because there are many other things to see and do, and it is a place where you can enjoy the whole day.
Hachiko sleeps next to his owner
In Aoyama Cemetery, there is the grave of Hachiko’s owner, Eizaburo Ueno. Hachiko’s grave is next to it. It is likely that Hachiko was able to meet his owner after his death.
The current Hachiko statue is actually the second generation
The statue of Hachiko was created in 1934, but due to the shortage of metal supplies during the war, it was dissolved. Three years after the war ended, it was rebuilt and became the current one.
Hachiko is also at Tsuruoka Station in Yamagata Prefecture
An unidentified plaster dog statue was kept at the Tsuruoka city office, and in 2006 it was discovered that this was a prototype of the Hachiko statue in front of the current Shibuya Station. This plaster statue can be seen at Tsuruoka Station.
