Professor Ueno bought a small Akita puppy in January 1924 for just 30 yen.
He named him Hachi, after the Japanese character for “eight” (八), because of his slightly bowed front legs.
Later, the affectionate “-kō” was added.
Every morning, Hachiko walked with his owner to Shibuya Station.
Every afternoon at 3 p.m., he returned alone to wait at the exit gate for Professor Ueno to come home.
On May 21, 1925, Hachiko waited at the station as usual.
But Professor Ueno never arrived.
He had suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage during a faculty meeting and passed away that day.
Hachiko never knew.
For the next 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days, he continued returning to Shibuya Station every single day, waiting for a master who would never come back.
This is the true story of loyalty.