Hachikō

by Simone Ottuzzi - Omotenashi Anime

Hachikō was a dog of the Akita Inu breed, born in 1923 in Akita Prefecture. After being adopted by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo Imperial University, he accompanied him to Shibuya Station every day and waited for his return. In 1925 the professor died suddenly, but the loyal Hachikō kept returning to the station every day for 10 years, becoming a national symbol of loyalty and affection.

In 1934 a bronze statue was built in his memory in front of Shibuya Station, and the dog himself attended the unveiling ceremony. During WWII the first statue was melted down for wartime needs. In 1948 a second version was created by Takeshi Andō, son of the original sculptor, and it still stands in the same spot today.

The Hachikō statue is today a very popular meeting point in the heart of Tokyo, located next to the famous Shibuya crossing. It has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols and an emotional touchstone for tourists and residents alike.

Every year, on March 8, a memorial ceremony is held with floral tributes and rituals dedicated to his memory.

The statue sits ideally between the station's "Hachikō-guchi" exit (named in his honor) and the famous Shibuya scramble crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. All around, you can feel the buzz of metropolitan culture: shops, shopping centers like Shibuya 109, panoramic cafés and vibrant spaces like Shibuya Center Street.

Beyond its role as a meeting spot, the statue evokes reflections on the deep bond between humans and animals, perseverance and community empathy: thanks to the care of citizens and travelers, Hachikō was able to survive for so long in the heart of Shibuya.

• The protagonist of a true, moving and universal story about loyalty.
• The first statue was unveiled in 1934, while the current version dates back to 1948.
• It's an emotional symbol and a public meeting point in the center of Tokyo.
• Every March 8, a ceremony is held in his honor.
• A quiet but meaningful presence in a frenetic, dynamic urban setting.

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