CBS Evening News- Hachiko, A Dog’s Tale of Loyalty

Hachiko speaks to even the busiest of people in the cutting-edge city of Tokyo. Today, many a love match has ignited at the Shibuya statue to continue his timeless true-life story of loyalty and forever love.

Shibuya Crossing is the busiest intersection in the world. At any one time, when the lights turn red, people flood into the space from five major cross roads and ten traffic lanes. It’s said that a million people hurry by, per day. Adjacent to the crossing, just outside of Shibuya station  stands the statue of the loyal Akita Hachiko. In contrast to the incessant buzz of traffic and neon-colored buildings, Hachi waits patiently for his owner’s return. Hachi plays cupid too — many a blind date has led to a love match, even a marriage proposal.

Looking for love? You can start by visiting Hachiko. Tokyo’s most famous dog is known to play matchmaker in this bustling city of 13 million. Over the decades, many a friendship started at this spot. What’s more, if you want to link up with someone, you simply say, “meet me at Hachiko.” Talk about matches, Hachiko fueled the popularity of the Akita breed that faced extinction right around the time of his birth.

Known for his faithfulness, his bronze monument is a “must-see” for tourists. Situated right outside Shibuya Station, the area called “Hachiko Square” is usually packed with visitors who jockey to get a snapshot with the beloved Akita. For locals, it’s a ritual to stop and spend a moment with a dog who is the stuff of mythology, reports CBS News correspondent Barry Petersen. Hachiko’s true story speaks in a language sometimes only the individual understands.

“His gaze looks lonesome,” says 11-year-old Shinsaku, “like he knows his owner may not come back.”

After his owner, a professor, died suddenly in 1925, Hachiko continued waiting at their usual meeting spot. But the Akita didn’t understand that his master was gone. The lonely dog’s plight soon spread throughout Japan, and Hachi became a celebrity overnight. In an unusual move, in 1934, his statue was erected while the Akita was still alive. After almost ten years, his body was found laying near his favorite store. By the morning, his death was front page news. The entire country mourned the loss of their beloved dog.

Hachi’s true story triggers deep emotions. The film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” makes the hardest heart melt. Did you ever desire something so dear — that you’d wait forever?