Everyone knows the story of Hachiko, the loyal dog. This Akita Inu’s nine-year wait touched the world, leading to countless films and literary works, making him a symbol of loyalty and companionship. If you’ve ever been moved by Hachiko’s story, this article will take you to the world’s most worthwhile “Hachiko statue location.”
Was Hachi a true story?
Yes, Hachiko’s story is true. If you’re not familiar with Hachiko’s story, let’s briefly introduce it.
Hachiko was a real Akita Inu, born in 1923, whose owner was Professor Hidesaburo Ueno of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tokyo. Every day, Hachiko would accompany the professor to Shibuya Station, and then wait for him at the same exit in the evening. However, in 1925, the professor died of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and never returned to the station.
Even so, Hachiko continued to wait for his owner at Shibuya Station day after day. Rain or shine, he always appeared in the evening without fail. He persevered for nearly ten years until his death on March 8, 1935, a true story that touched the hearts of people throughout Japan and the world.
Hachiko Statue Locations in Japan
There are several statues commemorating the loyal dog Hachiko across Japan, depicting the entire story of Hachiko’s journey from “accompanying his master” to “reunion.”
Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station
The Hachiko Statue Location is in the plaza directly in front of the Hachiko Exit at Shibuya Station.
Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo’s busiest transportation hubs, and the name “Hachiko Exit” comes from the loyal dog Hachiko.
This is the most well-known Hachiko statue and a “must-see” photo spot for tourists. To commemorate Hachiko, the first Hachiko statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station in 1934 (while Hachiko was still alive); the version seen today is the second generation statue, recast in 1948.
Hachiko Statue Locations in Odate, Akita
Odate City is the birthplace of Hachiko, the loyal dog, and therefore features numerous Hachiko statues of different styles and backgrounds.
Akita Dog Visitor Center
The Hachiko statue is currently located in front of the main entrance to Akita Dog Visitor Center, one of the first landmarks visitors see upon entering the park.
This statue was originally erected in front of Odate Station in 1935, but was later melted down during wartime metal recycling. It was recast and re-erected in 1987 as a symbol of Hachiko’s hometown.
With the opening of Akita Dog Visitor Center in 2019, the 1987 version of the statue was moved to its current entrance location, becoming a landmark welcoming sculpture for the park. The Akita Dog Visitor Center in Odate City is a tourist attraction designed to commemorate Akita’s renowned status as the birthplace of the Akita dog.
The statue of Hachiko depicts him in a gentle, dignified seated posture, his head slightly raised, as if quietly welcoming each visitor, symbolizing “the welcome of his hometown” and eternal guardianship.
Akita Dog Museum
The Hachiko Statue Location known as the “Homesick Hachiko” is in the plaza in front of the Akita Dog Museum.
The statue was erected in 2004. It is based on Hachiko’s appearance in his later years, with the most noticeable detail being his slightly drooping left ear. The statue deliberately faces the direction of Hachiko’s birthplace, symbolizing his longing for his hometown, hence the name “Homesick Hachiko.” The entire statue is presented in a dignified standing posture, with a quiet and focused expression.
Hachiko Statue in Tsu City, Mie
This statue is located in Green Wind Park, east of Hisai Station in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture.
The statue was completed on October 20, 2012.
It was chosen this location because it is the birthplace of Dr. Ueno. The statue depicts a tender moment between Hachiko and his master, making it a rare “master and Hachiko statue” in Japan.
The Hachiko–Professor Ueno Reunion Statue at the University of Tokyo
This sculpture is located inside the main gate of the Yayoi Campaign, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo.
This statue was completed in 2015, the 80th anniversary of Hachiko’s death. It is the most emotionally powerful of all Hachiko statues. Unlike the image of “waiting” in front of Shibuya Station, this statue is the first to depict the moment when Hachiko and his master meet again and embrace warmly, symbolizing the happy ending of the story.
This statue, depicting Hachiko leaping towards his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, was completed in 2015. It is Japan’s most emotionally expressive Hachiko statue, symbolizing the final “spiritual reunion” in the Hachiko story.
Hachiko Statue Locations in the United States
Most people know the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, Tokyo, but few know there’s also one in the United States.
Rhode Island
This Hachiko statue is located in front of a former railroad station in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, within the Blackstone Valley historic area.
This statue is a tribute to the 2009 American film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, which was filmed there. It references the bronze Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station, featuring a seated posture and a small bronze sculpture approximately 90 centimeters tall, with a simpler style, presenting the warm image from the film.
New Jersey
This Hachiko statue location is in Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park in Lafayette Township, New Jersey, USA.
It is an officially authorized copy produced by the University of Tokyo, faithfully recreating the famous work “Hachiko’s Reunion with Professor Hidesaburo Ueno” from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tokyo.
The statue was unveiled on October 16, 2016. The work recreates the heartwarming moment of Hachiko excitedly leaping into his owner’s arms, symbolizing “the perfect reunion in the Hachiko story.”
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