Hachiko Statue

The bronze statue of Chuken Hachiko is in the square of Shibuya station, and is a popular meeting place. The model of this statue was an Akita dog Hachi, who was a pet of Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tokyo. Being brought up with a lot of love to become a faithful dog, it was Hachi's daily routine to greet the professor. When the professor suddenly passed away in 1925, Hachi continued to wait for his deceased master at Shibuya Station for 10 years. In 1934, a fine bronze statue of 162 centimeters on a 180 centimeter plinth was built by the donations of people who were moved by Hachi's faithful actions. At the unveiling ceremony, around 300 people gathered including the professor's wife and representatives from various quarters, and it is said that Hachi was also watching with the stationmaster of Shibuya Station. It was once taken away during World War II, but it was reinstalled in 1948, which is the statue that stands today.