Hachiko ~ We Love You!

REMEMBERING HACHIKO (1923-1935) The 77th anniversary of the death of world famous Akita Hachiko, the loyal Akita of Japan. Today, March 8th is dedicated to all the Akitas of the world in loving memory of him. Please click 'share' and 'Like' to get the message out. Thank you.

"The loyal Japanese Akita who waited for his masters return for almost ten years. Hachiko (November 10th, 1923-March 8, 1935) whose name means the number "8" (his birth order in a litter) is one of Japan's national treasures and his story is told all over the world. Today the Hachiko statue stands across from the Shibuya Station where thousands visit annually. The story of Hachiko is known and loved by many generations. Hachiko's loyalty and patience waiting for his master to return are the ultimate qualities generations have admired and continue to admire. The bond between humans and dogs is an incredibly strong one that can survive time!" ~ The Hachiko Coalition

" Hachiko was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachiko apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachiko waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachiko attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachiko and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachiko treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

That same year, another of Ueno's faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home. (the home of the former gardener of Professor Ueno — Kikuzaboro Kobayashi; where he learned the history of Hachiko's life.)

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachiko's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachiko 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 Hachiko'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.

Eventually, Hachiko's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

Hachiko died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya. His heart was infected with filarial worms and 3-4 yakitori sticks were found in his stomach. His stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo. "

Today, the statue of Hachiko is a famous meeting place... many people who meet a Shibuya always say -" let us meet at Hachiko " especially on the weekends, when it is super crowded people meet "near Hachiko".

The Loyal dog Hachiko's story has become a movie and also inspired Hollywood to make the movie "Hachi" with one of our favorite actors, Richard Gere.

We have dedicated 8th of March International Akita Day in memory of the legend that is Hachiko ~ RIP x. Have a great day with your Akitas everybody! Join us on facebook Akita World here's the link.. www.facebook.com/pages/Akita-World-Fan-Page/139114222807522