Japan’s Most Loyal Dog Finally Reunited With His Dad in a Heartwarming New Statue

Hachiko is one of the most loved dogs in history. The story of the Akita’s unwavering loyalty to his guardian Ueno has touched the hearts of many in Japan and across the world. Every day, Hachiko would see his dad off to work and happily wait for his return at Japan’s Shibuya Station. The pair followed this routine for years until one fateful day in May, 1925, when Ueno did not come home. A professor at The University of Tokyo, Ueno had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage at work. Despite his dad’s absence, Hachiko continued his routine every day for the next nine years, sitting at the station waiting for the return of his beloved guardian.

Books and movies have told the story of this devoted pup, and there is even a statue in Shibuya of Hachiko patiently waiting for his dad’s arrival home.

What this statue doesn’t capture, however, is the excitement that Hachiko and his dad would feel each evening when they were reunited. Hachiko and Ueno shared an amazing bond and when Ueno returned from a long day at the University, Hachiko would run up to his dad to welcome him back. The solitary statue of Hachiko is moving, but it hardly encapsulates the true relationship between this dog and his dad.

Luckily, a new statue has been erected at the University of Tokyo. This year marks the 90th anniversary of Ueno’s death and the 80th of Hachiko’s passing. The statue is a joyous image of the professor and his loyal dog being reunited. It depicts the happy beginning to their story and reunites these two forever, at last!

All image source: RocketNews24