Hachiko Statue, Tokyo

Hachiko (1923 – 1935) was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Odate in Akita Prefecture. He is renowned for his extraordinary loyalty to his owner and is referred to as "faithful dog Hachiko" in Japanese.

In 1924, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo, adopted Hachiko, a golden brown Akita, as his pet. Throughout the professor's lifetime, Hachiko would eagerly welcome him at Shibuya Station, which was conveniently located nearby, every evening. However, after Professor Ueno's passing, Hachiko continued to faithfully await his return for the next 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days, consistently appearing at the station just in time for the train's arrival. This unwavering devotion captured the hearts of the Japanese people and came to symbolize a profound sense of family loyalty that everyone should aspire to emulate. Over time, Hachiko's legendary faithfulness evolved into a national symbol of loyalty, especially towards the Emperor and his institution.

In April 1934, a bronze statue resembling Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station, and Hachiko himself attended its unveiling. During World War II, the statue was repurposed for the war effort, but in 1948, The Society for Recreating the Hachiko Statue commissioned Takeshi Ando, the son of the original artist, to create a new statue. A dedication ceremony took place upon the installation of the new statue in August 1948, which still stands today and serves as a popular meeting spot. The station exit adjacent to this statue is known as the "Hachiko Exit."

The Hachiko Exit (Exit #8) provides access to Shibuya Crossing, a bustling and enormous location that is one of the city's most favored meeting points.