Hachiko’s loyalty touched the world, and the Hachiko memorial statues ensure this true story is preserved forever. From Shibuya to Akita, the University of Tokyo, and overseas, they are not only landmarks but also symbols of enduring emotion and history. This article will briefly introduce you to Hachiko’s story and the origins and significance of the Hachiko Statue.
What is the story behind Hachiko?
Hachiko was an Akita Inu who lived with Professor Hidesaburo Ueno of the University of Tokyo from a young age. Every day, the professor would commute to and from work from Shibuya Station, and Hachiko would faithfully accompany and wait for him. In 1925, the professor suddenly died of a cerebral hemorrhage and never returned to the station, but Hachiko continued to wait at the same spot every day for many years, his story of loyalty touching the entire nation.
How many years did Hachiko wait?
From the time his owner died in 1925, Hachiko continued to go to Shibuya Station to wait until his own death in 1935, a waiting period of approximately 9 years and 9 months, nearly ten years.
Who took care of Hachiko after his owner died?
After Professor Ueno’s death, Hachiko was initially entrusted to several acquaintances, including the professor’s gardener and relatives. However, Hachiko repeatedly escaped back to his original home or the vicinity of Shibuya Station. Ultimately, the staff of Shibuya Station, vendors, and local residents took care of Hachiko together, providing him with food, temporary shelter, and allowing him into the station waiting room during inclement weather.
What happened to Hachiko’s ears?
In his later years, one of Hachiko’s ears drooped due to a skin parasite infection (including Demodex mites) and long-term poor health. The autopsy report conducted after Hachiko’s death in 1935 clearly indicated that he suffered from severe heartworm disease and parasite infection, leading to weakness and changes in the shape of his ear.
Is Hachikō buried with his owner?
After embalming, Hachiko’s skin was preserved and displayed at the National Museum of Nature and Science. After his remains were cremated, some of his ashes were placed next to Professor Hidesaburo Ueno’s grave in the Aoyama Cemetery in Tokyo, where he was buried “adjacent to the professor”.
Where can Hachiko statues be found today?
Shibuya Hachikō Statue, Tokyo, Japan
📍 1-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Shibuya Station, Hachikō Exit Plaza)
The Shibuya Hachikō statue holds historical significance as the very first Hachikō monument ever created. Standing at about 162 cm tall in a seated pose, it features Hachikō’s distinctive drooping left ear, reflecting his appearance in his later years.
Cultural Significance: The most widely known symbol of the Hachikō story, a Shibuya landmark and a global symbol of loyalty.
Odate City, Akita Prefecture, Japan (Hachikō’s birthplace)
Odate City currently has two officially confirmed Hachikō statues.
Hachikō Statue – Akita Dog Visitor Center Entrance
📍 1-13-1 Onarimachi, Ōdate City, Akita, Japan
First built in 1935 → Destroyed during wartime → Rebuilt in 1987.
Hachikō’s ears are erect, reflecting his appearance during his childhood in the Ōdate period. This statue is widely regarded as the one that best represents Hachikō’s “birthplace and hometown,”
“Homesick Hachikō Statue” – In front of the Akita Dog Museum
📍 13-1 Sannomaru, Ōdate City, Akita, Japan
Based on Hachikō’s appearance in his later years (around 1934, at about 12 years old), the Hachiko Statue depicts him gazing toward his hometown as a symbol of homesickness and the origin of his loyalty.
Japan · University of Tokyo (Hachikō & Professor Ueno Reunion Statue)
📍 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Japan
- Dimensions and Weight: Approximately 1.9 m high, 2.0–2.1 m wide, and 280 kg in weight; cast in bronze.
- Significance: The first statue depicting Hachikō finally reuniting with his master, symbolizing the story’s completion and the eternal continuation of loyalty.
- Background: Unveiled in 2015, it is the core installation at the University of Tokyo commemorating Professor Hidesaburo Ueno.
United States · Hachikō Statues
Lafayette Township – Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park, New Jersey
📍 187 NJ-94, Lafayette Township, New Jersey 07848, USA
It was officially unveiled on October 16, 2016, and is an authorized copy of the University of Tokyo’s “Hachikō and Professor Ueno Reunion” statue.
Woonsocket, Rhode Island · River’s Edge Park
📍 River’s Edge Park, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
Design features: Seated, approximately 90 cm tall, a tribute statue inspired by the Shibuya Hachikō statue.
This statue was erected in honor of the 2009 American film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, which was filmed there.
What does the statue of Hachiko represent?
- A symbol of loyalty: Hachiko waited for his owner at Shibuya Station for nearly ten years, representing loyalty.
- The emotional bond between humans and pets: Showcasing the deep and pure affection between dogs and humans.
- Japanese culture of loyalty: Considered a symbol of honesty, trustworthiness, and dedication.
- Tokyo’s urban memory: The Shibuya Hachiko statue has become a city landmark and a shared cultural symbol.
- Universal values: Conveying the power of love, remembrance, and companionship, it transcends cultures and is recognized globally.
What happened to the Hachiko statue?
When was the Hachiko statue first built?
The first Hachiko bronze statue was built in 1934.
This statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station during Hachiko’s lifetime, and an unveiling ceremony was held at the time. Hachiko himself attended as a “guest,” becoming a news focus at the time.
Did the Hachiko statue get melted down?
Yes, the earliest Hachiko statues were melted down during World War II for metal recycling. The first-generation Hachiko statues in Shibuya and Odate (Hachiko’s hometown) were both recycled at that time.
Who made the bronze statue of Hachiko?
The original Shibuya statue was made by Japanese sculptor Teru Ando (1934). The postwar reconstruction was completed by his son, Takeshi Ando, in 1948.
Was the Hachiko statue rebuilt?
Yes, the Hachiko statue was remade after the war.
In 1948, sculptor Takeshi Ando re-sculpted the bronze statue based on his father’s original design and re-installed it in front of Shibuya Station, becoming the version we see today, a Tokyo landmark symbolizing loyalty.
Helen Keller was the first person to bring Akita dogs to the United States.
Statue of Hachiko and Professor Ueno
Who created the Hachiko statue with owner?
This statue was created by Japanese sculptor Tsutomu Ueda. According to multiple reports, he referenced materials related to Hachiko and Professor Ueno during the creation process, focusing on expressing the emotional connection between the two and striving to present Hachiko’s most natural and joyful posture upon seeing its owner.
In the Hachiko Statue, Hachiko’s tail is held high, its body leaping forward, while Professor Ueno slightly bends and extends his hand to greet it—a scene that never happened between them in their lifetime, but which all of Japan longed to see.
Why was the statue of Hachikō and Dr. Ueno created?
The “Hachiko and Professor Ueno” statue was erected by the University of Tokyo in 2015 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Professor Ueno’s death and to pay tribute to his contributions to agricultural engineering.
At the same time, this Hachiko with owner statue artistically reunites Hachiko and its owner, making up for the regret of not being able to see each other again in their lifetime, symbolizing loyalty, affection, and the eternal bond between humans and animals.
How to create a memorial sculpture for your pet?
Looking back at Hachiko’s story, we realize that a sculpture is not just a work of art, but also a continuation of emotions. Many pet owners wish to preserve memories with their beloved pets in a longer-lasting way, just like commemorating Hachiko, making a memorial sculpture an excellent choice.
Arturban Sculpture, with over 20 years of experience as a sculpture factory, can create bespoke pet memorial sculptures for you at more competitive prices and with higher quality. Below is the basic customization process for your reference:
Provide Photos and Information
Prepare clear photos from multiple angles, including front, side, and back views, highlighting key details. This will help the sculptor accurately recreate your pet’s image. Determine the desired pose.
Determine the Material
Choose a suitable material：
- Bronze: Durable, suitable for long-term outdoor display;
- Stainless Steel: Modern feel;
- Fiberglass/Resin: Lightweight, suitable for indoor use;
- Marble: Solemn and elegant.
Model Making and Design Confirmation
We will create an initial model (scale-length clay sculpture or 3D-printed resin model) based on the photos or sketches, allowing you to more intuitively confirm the form.
Production and Installation
After model confirmation, the formal production process begins, including casting, welding, sculpting details, and surface treatment (painting, polishing, weathering, etc.). Upon completion, we will arrange secure packaging and transportation, and can provide installation guidance or on-site installation services.
Throughout the process, we will maintain continuous communication until you are satisfied. If you would like to permanently preserve your pet’s image, habits, or unique expressions, please feel free to contact us.
Send us your requirements now, we will reply to your email within 24 hours