More than a century after his death, Hachikō the loyal Akita remains one of Japan’s most enduring symbols of faithfulness.

His bronze statue outside Shibuya Station is a pilgrimage site for tourists and commuters alike, a daily reminder of a dog’s devotion that transcended both time and loss. As Japan marks his birthday on November 10, the story resonates far beyond Tokyo, even offering quiet lessons for communities half a world away, like Milwaukee, about constancy, connection, and the meaning of loyalty in an age of distraction.

Born in 1923 in Akita Prefecture, Hachikō (ハチ公) was brought to Tokyo by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, who taught agricultural engineering at the University of Tokyo. The professor and his dog quickly became inseparable. Each morning, Hachikō accompanied Ueno to Sh

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