Your story matters,
and many of the chapters in the book
of your life are yet to be written.
Hachiko Statue Dedication at Woonsocket train station
Hachiko’s new statue speaks to many at the Woonsocket train station in Rhode Island, where the film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale was filmed.
A replica of the original Shibuya Station statue, it stands for everything Hachi: loyalty, faithfulness and love. Hachi has made friends far and wide, even though he’s not alive. Michael Sultana is a special Hachi friend who shares his first-hand viewpoint of the day’s events.
Dear Vicki:
On Saturday, May 19th, my faithful dog Hachi and I traveled to Woonsocket, Rhode Island to attend the unveiling of a permanent bronze statue of the legendary Japanese dog Hachiko. It was to be an exact replica of the statue of Hachiko in Japan. There was no way I was going to miss this.
The ceremony was being held at the train depot at One Depot Square where the Hachi movie was filmed, also now known as Hachiko Place. This statue dedication ceremony was part of the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Pawtucket and Central Falls, RI and they saved the best for last.
As soon as Hachi and I got out of the car in the parking area next to the depot, Barbara, who works for the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor (admin offices in the depot) saw us from a distance and opened her arms as a welcoming gesture. She knew in advance that I was attending with my Hachi.
It was a beautiful day for a statue dedication. My Hachi became an overnight sensation because the many people that attended either wanted to take pictures of him or with him. Several of the children attending asked if my Hachi was in the movie. I told them that his cousins were in the movie. I just happened to have a copy of the Hachi movie with me so we put it on inside the depot until the ceremony started at 3pm.
The master of ceremonies started the ball rolling with a speech and then introduced several people connected with the dedication ceremony including the Mayor, the Japanese consulate general and several other Japanese officials. The ceremony was very moving with many locals in attendance.
I was not aware that Barbara spoke with the master of ceremonies and told him of my 250 mile drive from New Jersey to attend the festivities. I was caught off guard when my name was announced and had to go up in front of the audience. I was introduced to the audience and I introduced Hachi also.
After the ceremony was over, Hachi and I were interviewed by a Japanese television newsperson inquiring on how my Hachi came to be with me. This interview will be broadcast on Japanese TV. I have attached some photos of this monumental event.
Vicki, you deserve a standing ovation … with the dedication of this statue your dream of bringing this story to the screen has gone far beyond all expectations.
Michael Sultana
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Latest from 'Inspiration'
Go Beyond the Blog
Find the Tools to Support Your Journey
Explore resources designed to help you grow, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Wherever you are on your journey, the Vicki & Hachi Resources Page offers tools, stories, and insights to help you move forward—with heart, purpose, and resilience.
Explore resources for your journey
If you’re searching for a sign…this is it.
Looking for deeper insights, guided reflections, or next steps?
We Believe a Good Book Can Change Your Life
Plus, we’ve experienced that our loyal, canine companions possess innate wisdom and are often our best teachers.
Get a copy of my FREE ebook
“Heart Travels with Hachi: Transform Your Life Story with These 5 Steps.”
I'm Ready for my Free Copy!
This wonderful statue was a gift from the Beacon Charter High School for the Arts. The dedication that the city of Woonsocket showed the school in its early years is reminiscent of Hatchi’s loyalty. Hopefully many people will enjoy it. The day of the dedication was perfect and it was wonderful to see Mr. Sultana’s Hatching.
I am so thrilled at reading this, just wishing I had known about it, because I would have attended, oh what a special event!
All the Hachi’s in the world, past or present , love Vickie!!
This is a really informative article in the newspaper about Hachi ‘s ceremony in Woonsocket .
http://www.woonsocketcall.com/node/5189
ps correct myself in previous posting, Vicki, not Vickie.
Now I sure want to visit the station, many thanks Mr. Sultana for your posting and being there.
I’m so happy that Hachi got his statue there aswell.
I was attending the Hachiko memorial in Tokyo April 8 this year. It was a beautiful sunny spring day and the statue of Hachiko is placed under the cherry trees that were in full bloom.
I was the Master of Ceremonies. We are so pleased with the reception the statue is receiving. Our Japanese friends are very important to us and we hope they will travel to Woonsocket to visit our version of their famous dog. The students of the Beacon High School for the Performing Arts and their former Head Master Dr. Pilkington were thoughtful in their donation of the statue.
We have just finished creating a rack card for this new destination. If you would like a copy, please contact us and we will mail one.
My wife Rachel and I watch Hachiko a dogs tale over and over. We were given a copy of the movie for Christmas. It is such a wonderful movie. Please, send us a copy of the rack card you just created for this new destination. Our address is 539 Pleasant Park, San Antonio, Texas 78227. Thank you and God bless you. Robert and Rachel Valverde.
Hi Robert and Rachel,
It’s terrific to hear how you enjoyed the film! The Hachiko monument rack card was created by The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council for visiting tourists. Please contact them directly at: One Depot Square, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 02895. Telephone: (410) 724-2200 and Website: http://www.tourblackstone.com.
I visited the statue last October, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the loyal dog of Japan!
Best, Vicki
And last but not least, an honorable mention for the surprise guest, my Akita, Hachi, whose participation at the ribbon-cutting ceremony as a real-life standin for Hachiko was the topping on the cake for this very special day.
In a world in which there is so much turmoil, hatred, pain, and misery, how wonderful to have something to celebrate: the moving and inspirational story of Hachi and the dedication of his statue. I am not a movie fan in general, but I watched this one with rapt attention and with the outpouring of emotion that is unavoidable for human beings with feeling and sensitivity. Blessings to all who were involved with this wonderful event and all who have affection for beloved and precious animals!
I am a dog lover! I really enjoyed reading through your blog and the responses to your post! It is for the first time I am hearing about Hachiko and I wish to see that famous statue! Thanks for such interesting post!
Now of course I can always make the right one here. That’s just what we can do and I do like it then.
Hope everything is well in Hachi-land.
Dear Vilcki, tha ks for giving me the name of the Hoffmans; we spoke , and they have promised to send some photos of Forrest for my daughter. I noticed that you took part in an evening inLos Angeles, last Septembe, and we would be interested in coming along, should there be another such event. Stephanie, my daughter, asks if the “Hachi” present was Chico, and if the trainer was Mark Harden and lastly, if you have any photographs of the afternoon. Once again, many thanks, Stacey.