Hachiko was an Akita dog born in 1923 in Akita Prefecture and later adopted by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno in Tokyo. The pair shared a heartwarming routine: each day, Hachiko would walk Ueno to Shibuya Station and wait for his return. Tragically, Ueno passed away suddenly in 1925, but Hachiko continued to wait at the station every evening for nearly ten years—until his own death in 1935.
To honor this decade-spanning tale of loyalty, a bronze statue sculpted by Teru Ando was unveiled at the station in 1934, with Hachiko himself present. During World War II, the original was melted down, but a replacement by the artist’s son, Takeshi Ando, was erected in 1948 and remains to this day.
Though this spot remains the most famous Hachiko Statue, there are a number of Hachiko sculptures in Tokyo, with the University of Tokyo’s Hachiko Statue portraying a touching reunion between the faithful Akita and his beloved owner.
As you’ll see, Hachiko’s bronze legs are worn down to a dull shine by decades of visitors reaching out, perhaps hoping to get a glimpse into a relationship so pure and strong that it has touched the hearts of people even 100 years later.
Bonus tip: If you're visiting on April 8, look out for a special ceremony at the statue honoring Hachiko’s memory. It’s a heartfelt moment that often includes flower offerings and local speeches.