The True Story Of A Dog Who Waited 9 Years For His Late Owner to Return | ‘Hachiko’ Kept Looking Until His Last Breath!
In the bustling town of Tokyo lived a dog whose loyalty beat every human out there. Hachikō, a Japanese Akita, is remembered for his true loyalty to his owner. Hidesaburō Ueno, a Japanese professor, was the owner of Hachiko. Ueno and Hachiko had a routine to walk home together, every day from the station. But he suddenly passed away leaving Hachiko behind. Hachiko couldn’t bear the thought of him being gone. He continued to wait for over nine years for his owner in the same place. Until his very last breath, he continued to wait and look for him. Could there even be a greater love than this? Let’s dive into the heartwarming story of Hachikō and his master Ueno.
Hachikō’s Life and Bond with His Owner
Born on November 10, 1923, at a farm near the city of Ōdate, Hachikō was a wonderful dog. In 1924, a professor at the Tokyo Imperial University, Hidesaburō Ueno, got Hachikō to live with him. They became best friends in no time. Hachikō became inseparable from his master. He made it a practice to meet Ueno at Shibuya Station. The two would then happily walk home together from the station. They did this every single day. Hachikō never once forgot to meet his owner and walk him home.
Hachikō‘s Biggest Loss: Keeping His Life-long Commitment!
On May 21, 1925, Ueno suddenly passed away at work from a cerebral hemorrhage. Hachikō had a hard time dealing with the reality of the loss of his best friend. From Ueno’s death until Hachikō’s passing in 1935, he continued to walk to the same Station where he would meet his owner. Each day Hachikō searched the crowd and waited for best friend to return.
Even the weather didn’t stop him. Even when it was pouring outside, Hachikō, stood vigil at Shibuya Station. This became a familiar sight to commuters. Hachikō’s story soon touched the hearts of many. He received a lot of kindness and support from strangers who brought him treats and food. Hachikō faithfully waited exactly for nine years, nine months, and fifteen days. This little dog never lost hope and believed that his beloved owner would soon return.
Hachikō’s Final Resting Place
In March 1935, Hachikō’s nine-year wait came to an end. He was found peacefully resting on a street in Shibuya. Even on his final day, Hachikō was on his way to the station and on the lookout for his master. In 2011, doctors revealed that he died from both terminal cancer and a filaria infection.
Hachikō’s remains were laid to rest alongside Professor Ueno, his eternal loyalty immortalized at Aoyama Cemetery. His memory lives as his fur was preserved after his death. His taxidermy mount is also available for visitors to see at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo.
Hachikō’s Legacy
Hachikō’s story continued to inspire the world even with movies. In 2009, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, starring Richard Gere, Cate Wilson, and more also came to the theaters in remembrance of Hachikō’s true loyalty. There are also bronze statues raised across Japan and in Rhode Island, USA, in honor of him.
In Japan, he became a symbol of loyalty and fidelity. He also received the honor with bronze statues at Shibuya Station, Ōdate Station, and even in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA.
Every year, on March 8th, hundreds gather at Shibuya Station to pay tribute to Hachikō’s devotion, a testament to the lasting impact of his story.
Conclusion
Hachikō’s story reminds us of the profound bond between humans and animals, transcending barriers of time and space. His unwavering loyalty continues to inspire generations and serves as a beacon of love. In a world filled with fleeting moments, Hachikō’s loyalty stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of love.
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