Hachi Spirit Blog

It took a determined person to change the “sad plight” of Hachi at Shibuya Station. After learning that Japanese native dogs, including Akitas, were on the verge of extinction, Saitō Hirokichi (1899–1964), an art curator by profession, founded the Society for Preservation of Japanese Dogs in May 1928. Saitō Hirokichi Discovers his Mission Saitō was from […]

Most people did not know why Hachi went to Shibuya Station every day. The former gardener of Professor Ueno, Kobayashi, cared for Hachi in the later years. Kobayashi registered Hachi at the local police station and made sure that Hachi wore a collar and harness with an identification tag. Nevertheless, because the loyal Akita went to […]

In one instant, life suddenly shifted for Hachi. After Professor Ueno’s death, Hachi lived a life of exile for a while. Because she was not legally married to Professor Ueno and had no inheritance rights, his widow Yae had to vacate their residence. Overnight, Hachi had no home. The Search for Hachi’s Perfect Home It was […]

When Hachi was born, he had no idea what was in store for him. In fact, none of us ever do. And while that can make you feel like everything’s out of control, that your entire life is one big guessing game, the exact opposite is actually true. Not only do you have complete control […]

It’s hard to believe that Hachi was only a year and a half years when Professor Ueno passed away. However short their time together, the young Akita was devastated. As was the custom during that period, the wake and funeral service was held at home, rather than at a funeral parlor.  So it was that […]

For Hachi and Professor Ueno, everyday was filled with joy! The two were inseparable. In the morning, Hachi could be spotted walking Ueno to the Shibuya train station. At the end of each day, the faithful Akita eagerly returned to greet his beloved owner. They settled into a daily routine, and life was sweet. Nobody […]