Japan: Day #3

I'm finally caught up!
It's Wednesday and we've had another incredibly busy but wonderful day!

My uncle and aunt met us at the Hachiko Statue at the Shibuya JR Station.

The following story is a compilation of several articles I’ve read about Hachiko on the web and in the Tour Book. It’s such a touching story that I felt I really wanted to share it with you.


The Hachiko Statue is one of the most famous landmarks in Tokyo. Located right in front of the Shibuya Station, it serves as a popular meeting place.
Hachiko is a bonze statue of an Akita dog, located in front of the Shibuya Station.

Hachiko was born in November, 1923 in the city of Odate in the Akito prefecture. In 1924, Hidesamuro Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo brought Hachiko to Tokyo. The dog followed his master wherever he went. As Hachiko grew, he acquired all the traits of an Akita dog. Its ears grew upright and its tail was curled to the left.
During his owner's life, Hachikō saw him off at the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. Even after Ueno's death in May 1925, Hachikō returned every day to the station to wait for him. Hachikō's devotion to his lost master moved those around him, who nicknamed him "faithful dog". Others at the station initially thought he was waiting for something else or roaming around, but later realized he was waiting for his dead owner. This continued for over 10 years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.1]
One of Ueno's former students saw the dog at the station and followed him to the relative’s home (where Hachiko had been living) and learned the history of Hachikō's life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station.
Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.
In April 1934, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station, and Hachikō himself was present at its unveiling.


After joining my uncle and aunt we traveled to Ueno Park's National Museum to see many of the beautiful artifacts important to Japanese history. My mother had a great time sharing so much of what she knows with my brother. I loved seeing them together.

We then went on to Asakusa which was packed with visitors because today was a National Autumnal Equinox holiday. Still it was wonderful to soak in the atmosphere.


Next stop was the Mori Building in Rappongi where we took an elevator to the top to view the City from up high. The day was clear! No rain and the view was breath taking.



My uncle and aunt then took us to a vegetarian restaurant where we were again treated to a feast that was fun, interesting and delicious. My cousin met us there and it was wonderful to meet her again after 12 years and to renew our acquaintance.



Our parting today was sad since my uncle does not like to travel and this could be the last time he sees his eldest sister. Still, I was just so happy and content that they were able to have these two days together.