One of Japan's unofficial landmarks, the Hachiko statue in Shibuya is a homage to the faithful Akita dog who waited at Shibuya Station every day for his master, even after his death.

Professor Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo University adopted Hachiko in Akita prefecture in the early 1920s, and the two were inseparable, with Hachiko waiting for his master to come home from work every day.

 

Unfortunately, the professor died in 1925 and left Hachiko behind. However, the loyal Hachiko continued to come to the station daily until his own death nearly 10 years later.

This story became a legend and a small statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station to commemorate Hachiko, which is now a typical starting point for anyone visiting Shibuya.

 

The surrounding area is Tokyo’s most popular meeting point and locals and foreigners are always queuing for photos with the statue. There was even a Hollywood movie made in 2009 about Hachiko — a testament to the dog's unwavering loyalty.

By Ignatius Koh