A new Hachikō statue was unveiled at the University of Tokyo in Bunkyo-ku very recently but unlike the statue outside Shibuya station, this one also features his master. Professor Hidesaburo Ueno was a professor of agricultural engineering at the University for over two decades hence its location.
The statue resembles the rejoice and excitement the two had when they were reunited each time and the love and affection people have could not be missed when I visited the statue very recently. It’s quite a moving scene for some as anyone who has ever seen any of the adaptations will know. Perhaps the most internationally known one is ‘Hachi; A Dog’s Tale‘ (2009) which moved the story to the USA and starred Richard Gere.
Hachikō was born in Ōdate in 1923 and was raised by his master with great care but sadly they only shared 17 months together before Ueno suddenly passed away on campus in 1925.
It’s been a while since I was last at a University in Tokyo and it actually took me a fair while to find the statue and that’s not because it’s hidden away in a secluded area but because I wasn’t too sure on which one of the multiple campuses it was located. The “University of Tokyo” has featured on Tokyo Fox before but that one was faked in ‘The Grudge‘ (2004). For the record, the statue’s on your left as soon as you enter the (real) University through the gates of the Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences/Faculty of Agriculture.
There was a steady trickle of visitors during the ten minutes I spent there and the love and respect that many of them had for Japan’s most loyal dog was just as rewarding for me as seeing the statue itself.
Bonus: For anyone wanting to further indulge in Hachiko nostalgia there is of course the statue outside JR Shibuya station (below) which is a hugely popular meeting place. Hachiko would wait outside this station every day for his deceased master to come home from work. Even after Ueno’s death, the Akita dog continued to wait for him every night for nine years and it is this sad story which really struck a chord with the public.
Not so many know of the memorial (below) to the faithful dog as well as his master’s grave. Hachikō died in March 1935 and the graves can be found at Aoyama Reien (cemetery) in area 6 #12 and is the 3rd left lane once you leave the main office.
Click here to read ‘The Birthplace Of Shibuya’s Beloved, Faithful Dog Hachiko Is Actually In Akita Prefecture’
Click here to read ‘Review: Films Inspired By Japan – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)’
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I had never heard of this story. Now I am interested to learn more about it. Thanks Tokyo Fox!
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I am finally watching this movie. I wish it wasn’t set in America though.
I am only half way through, but the part about why the dog was sent to America has me scratching my head. Obviously a liberty the screenwriter took and probably hoping the audience would just forget that part.
well i guess that’s all designed to be part of the mystery surrounding the dog and where it came from and why etc etc. Or maybe it was ordered by an american, sent out there and then got lost somewhere en-route
What do the call that? Artistic license? 🙂
Then why not watch the original Japanese version? o.o
I would love to though I can not seem to find it here in USA. If you have any leads on that I would graciously follow them.
In fact, did you know the ‘American version’ was not ever released in theaters in USA? Odd no?
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Today this story make me cry at any time when I thought for Hachi’s strugle.No one can’t done his faithful characters. I remember his undying story forever…at last I wish them”Professor Uino &Hachi live with a peacefully and gracefully at heaven.
this is a very sad imotional story of poor hachi. this real incident story proves that dogs are more imotional than humans, dogs are more faithful than us, they should be trusted, because they are not cheaters like humans.may thier soul rest in peace
Such lovely words Omkar and I completely agree with you
This is old news, but somehow I missed out the reunion statue… Shall visit that the next time I am in Tokyo.
Yeah if you’re a fan of hachiko and that story then this statue is more appealing than the more famous one in Shibuya
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hi there, is it possible for me to reuse the image here?
sure! thanks for asking! A link to this site would be appreciated too!!
thank you so much!
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hi i watched the film for the first time yesterday and although its not the original i was so touched by it . i have never seen a film so grate in my life and i am 68 years old
That’s lovely to hear Phillip! Thanks for your comment