Hachiko - a famous Akita dog who lived in Japan

Hachiko was a famous Akita dog who lived in Japan during the 1920s to 1940s. His incredible loyalty and devotion inspired the story that is depicted in the movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”. Its also one of the most known history that represents the Japanese Culture gentle side and the Akita Inu breed example.

(ハチ公)

Hachiko was born on November 10, 1923 and was just 8 weeks old when he found himself being sold to Professor Eisaburo Ueno, a professor of agriculture at Tokyo University. Hachiko then attended classes with his master, often sitting quietly beside him as he listened to lectures.

Professor Ueno commuted by train to work each day, and so every morning Hachiko would go to the train station to greet him. One day in May 1925, Professor Ueno didn’t return from work. He had suffered a stroke at the university and died that same day.

Hachiko went home alone that evening, but he never stopped going to the train station every afternoon to wait for his master’s return. Every day for 9 years Hachiko returned to Shibuya Station at 3:00pm and sat there until the station closed. People who worked at the station fed him and looked after him.

On May 21st, 1935, He was found on a street in Shibuya Station. He was lying on his side, still alive but in terrible pain. The dog had developed a huge tumor underneath his armpit which was growing into his chest cavity. It is believed that this was caused by the daily strain of his owner’s absence. Hachiko was taken to a nearby veterinary hospital where he was put down. His remains were cremated, and his ashes buried beside his owner in Aoyama Cemetery, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

Akita – Japanese Breed – The Cute Bear

The Akita is a Japanese breed of dog that originated in the mountainous region of northern Japan. The Akita is a large, muscular dog with a deep brown, black or brindle coat. The most distinguishing feature of the Akita is the thick mane that grows around its neck. The mane often resembles a lion's ruff and can be left long or clipped short for ease of maintenance.

The Akita has an independent and dominant personality and can be aggressive towards other dogs. The Japanese consider the Akita to be a symbol of good luck, courage, fidelity, and strength. They are very protective of their family and are often used as guard dogs.

Akitas make excellent companions for those who have the time to devote to training and socializing them. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:

Working Dogs

Height:

2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight:

70 to 130 pounds

Life Span:

10 to 12 years

for more information about the breed - check out the website dogtime ...

This breed sheds a lot of fur, research before getting one. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Akitas can be "too much dog" for small homes. Akitas need early socialization, training, and firm consistent leadership. Many Akitas are dominant (they want to be the boss) and need a firm owner who knows how to show the dog who's boss. Akitas are sensitive, so they can be hurt by teasing or rough handling.

Akitas have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. They may do so unprovoked, even if the cat is someone's pet. If you have a cat that you want to keep safe from your dog, it is important to make sure that your dog does not see the cat as prey.

But how can you say No to this cuteness!!!

However, I don’t recommend Akita first dog owners with no experience in pets or with the inability to understand animals’ behaviours and needs. Sky is not the limit!

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are easy going. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

The statue

A statue of the dog Hachiko stands outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan.

A loyal friend immortalized in bronze and stone. He is one of the most famous dogs in Japan and the world. And each year on March 8, Hachikō's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya Station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.

Due to the high traffic around Tokyo and Shibuya station being of the busiest stations, the statue is also normally use as a meeting point for friends to meet up to hang out.

The Movie

The movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale starring Richard Gere is based on the true story of a dog of Hachiko in Japan, But the real Hachiko's story is quite different than what was portrayed in the film.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a 2009 American drama film that is an adaptation of the 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari. The original film told the true story of the Akita dog named Hachikō who lived in Japan in the 1920s. This version, which places it in a modern American context, was directed by Lasse Hallström, written by Stephen P. Lindsey and Kaneto Shindo, and produced by Richard Gere, Bill Johnson and Vicki Shigekuni Wong. The film stars Gere, Joan Allen, Sarah Roemer, Jason Alexander and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.

The Film is so emotional that every time I watch it, I end up crying a lot more than Titanic. Specially when I see that cute dog nose extreme sad sitting at the station looking at door station.