Shibuya

The statue of a sitting dog at the Shibuya subway is a representation of Hachiko. Despite the line waiting to take a photo and even if the statue itself is not a revelation, its story is endearing, sad and meaningful and changes your aspiration to have a souvenir of this famous dog. All Japanese know the events because they embody loyalty, an important value in the country. Books have been written, films have told the adventures and it continues to be honored annually on March 8, the day of the four-legged death.

Hachiko (1924-1935) was the dog who faithfully waited for his master, Hideshaburo Ueno (1872 – 1925), day after day at the exit of the Shibuya subway to take him home. Even though this meeting took place over a short period of time, 4 months, Hachiko kept this ritual even after Ueno’s death. For almost a decade, the dog returned regularly to the same spot to wait patiently for his master.

Appearing as a stray dog, a local newspaper article in 1932 told Hachi’s story and a wave of sympathy grew around him. Shopkeepers, passers-by and travelers approached the dog and gave him food and treats.

A bronze sculpture by Teru was installed in April 1934 on the site of the meeting of the dog and his master. One of the exits of the Shibuya subway station is named in his honor and takes you close to the statue.

The dog had such admiration that his fur was preserved and is on permanent display at the National Science Museum of Japan in Tokyo. His ashes are with his master.

The original statue material had been used for the war effort, but the original artist’s son, Takeshi Ando, ​​made the second version identical to the first statue (1948) that we admire today.

A third statue was created (2015) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Hachiko’s death and is located at the University of Tokyo, his master’s workplace. This version shows the professor and his dog happily reuniting at the end of the day. Ueno tragically died of a brain hemorrhage while at work. Hachi is nicknamed Hachiko because the suffix “ko” gives him a title of nobility.

It is easy to combine your visit with the Shibuya Scramble Crossing at the intersection.

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