Your story matters,
and many of the chapters in the book
of your life are yet to be written.
What’s been happening with Forrest?
Who could forget Forrest’s performance in Hachi: A Dog’s Tale? One of three adult Akitas used in the film, his compelling portrayal of the aged Hachi in the final scenes reduced the audience to a puddle of tears.
Did you know that the aged Hachi was played by a young Forrest? Credit is due to animal trainer, Mark Harden, who not only trained the dog actor for slower movements —- but transformed the young Akita through masterfully applied make-up.
Many viewers ask about the talented canine actor. Forrest’s breeder, Kathy Coffman, provides an update on the popular Akita.
While Forrest is getting older he’s still hanging in there. I’ve asked Joe (Forrest’s owner) to snap some photos of Forrest so I can forward them to you.
My pups never go away they always come back home to visit. If y’all ever do anything here on the East Coast I’m sure we can arrange to get you together with Forrest again. We live VERY close to Ocean City MD a top resort here on the East Coast.
Forrest is really getting up there in age – he turned 11 in June. Typically we lose them between 9 and 13 or so. His litter brother Titan is still going very strong also. We showed Titan in Veterans classes not too long ago and he won Best Veteran – so he’s still got it too.
Sadly, we lost Forrest’s Mom a couple of years ago. That was one of my hardest losses to date and I still ache and miss her so much.
We just imported a new Japanese bred Akita from Hungary, he’s a real clown and another Hachi clone.
I am so proud of Forrest, this movie has been the shining star of my life. I’ll never be able to thank all of you enough for making this happen for us. We’ve really enjoyed the ride (and still very much do).
I hope all is well with you, and yours. And remember if you ever want an Akita – I’m here!
Love ya,
Forrest, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale Akita dog actor, at photo shoot to benefit Akita rescue
2017 Update:
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So nice to see this update of Forrest. I am sure all of us love all the three Akitas that played Hachi in the movie i.e. Chico, Leyla and Forrest. But I think we all love Forrest just a little bit more!
The scene where Forrest is first shown as the old Hachi is so poignant. We made a trip to Woonsocket to tour the Hachi movie locations, and I was very particular that I walked that very spot with my little dog Zack.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200692965562006&set=a.1175703888235.22550.1697242006&type=1&theater
It is in front of New York Lunch diner on Main St., in Woonsocket, RI 02895.
Our trip to the Hachi movie locations in Woonsocket, RI was covered in the local newspaper!
http://www.valleybreeze.com/2015-07-15/woonsocket-north-smithfield/dog-lovers-cross-country-visit-hachi-sites-woonsocket#.VfidKPmH_mE
Also, how are Chico and Leyla? I believe they are both a bit younger than Forrest. Are there any pictures of Chico from the event where he was a guest at an outdoor screening of “Hachi” in LA in July this year?
http://www.jas-socal.org/event-1962324
I’ll be posting images of the Japan America Society’s screening. Layla was a huge hit. Guests lined up to take photos and she was enthusiastic as ever!
Interesting that it was Layla at the screening. I thought she was in the East Coast area, like her co-star, Forrest. Since I know Chico lives with trainer Mark Harden, who is based in the LA area, I thought it would be Chico who was the guest at the screening.
Thank you for the update of Forrest…he personifies Hachi! Lucky Sira to enjoy such a memorable Hachi day. We hope to do the same (in Woonsocket, and Shibuya too). Best wishes to all Hachi followers! Stacey
Thanks Stacey! We had planned the trip for almost a year so it was great that it went so well. And we were lucky that weather-wise it was a nice and warm day. The next day I was in Providence and it rained nearly all morning until late afternoon!
I’m along with thousands of people around the world are glad you are keeping the spirit of Hachi alive
Does anybody have info on the screenwriter?
Thank you
Good to hear about Forrest. I just love how he showed the emotion as the old Hachi. That scene alone with the wife sums up all the scenes in the movie.
I am curious though if there are deleted scenes in the movie especially after the death of Parker in the movie. Or is there an alternative storyline?
I just love Forrest in the movie. He is the best dog actor. I just felt the sadness, longing for your friend and the abandonment of the professor’s family.
Of course the final film version was edited (scenes are sometimes shot multiple times) but the storyline stayed true. Forrest really portrayed emotion well, but we used three dog actors for the Hachi character. Leyla was the “kissing” dog, so she was used when exuberant affection was required!
Thanks Vicki. I am just expecting there are some scenes when Andy took Hachi in for a while or maybe they visited Hachi for a while to bring in his things. I also love chico and leyla in the movie as well as the shiba inu puppies.
My father loved this story. We bought him the DVD. Sadly my father died last year, and I am only now able to start mourning his loss (it’s complicated).
This story tore me to pieces when I saw it. I’ve seen Lassie, Old Yeller, Turner and Hooch, and Where the Red Fern Grows. Hachi was the only one that tore me up because it brought back multiple reminders both of my father and my own childhood.
Rest, Forrest. You continue to help me fill a void.