Some of you may have already read about this incredible story about an Akita and it's owner. It is now being made into a movie starring Richard Gere. Shiba pups are being used to show Hachiko as a puppy (pups are from Copperdot's Kennels).

Below is the Story of Hachiko and after that a YouTube video showing some of the filming of the movie.

As most animal-related stories go, it's a beautiful story, but bring kleenex.

Story & Photos by Cheri Sicard

TOKYO, JAPAN - Loyalty, faithfulness and unconditional love are qualities that have earned dogs the title of "man's best friend". One particular Akita dog took these qualities to such an extreme, he has earned a place in the hearts of all Japanese people, and has kept that place for over sixty years!

Nestled amid hoards of harried commuters, a variety of shops and department stores, and a giant television screen that covers half a skyscraper, a life sized bronze statue of a dog can be found at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Train Station. Despite the diminutive size of the statue in comparison to the massive neon flash of the city, it isn't difficult to find. Millions of Tokyoites have been meeting at the landmark since 1934 and continue to do so today.

Chu-ken Hachiko (lit. the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in Akita in 1923 and was first brought to Tokyo in 1924. He and his owner, Mr. Eisaburo Uyeno, were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day "Hachi" would accompany Eisaburo, a professor at the Imperial University, to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, the professor would find the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home.

Despite the fact that Hachiko was less than two years old at the time, the bond between dog and owner was strong. Hachiko continued to wait each day at Shibuya station for a friend who was never coming back. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch.

The Akita became a familiar sight to commuters as he kept his vigil for over ten years. On March 8, 1935, Hachiko finally went to meet his master. He died on the very same spot he last saw his friend alive.


The people who passed the loyal dog each day were so touched by his story that they erected a statue in his honor in 1934. The famous artist Ando Teru was commissioned for the original bronzed sculpture, which was melted down during the war.

After the war, Hachiko was hardly forgotten. In 1948 The Society For Recreating The Hachiko Statue commissioned Ando Tekeshi, son of the original artist who has since passed away, to make a second statue.

Being a dog lover, the Hachiko statue has become an important pilgrimage for me each time I find myself in Tokyo. During my last visit with "Hachi," I encountered an old man who had also come to pay his respects. He told me in broken English "I knew him. I used to bring him treats. The station was much smaller then." With that he approached the statue, gave it a friendly pat, wiped a tear from his eye and slowly walked away.

Though Hachiko stood only two feet tall and weighed 92 pounds, the message he left on the importance of good friends is enormous. Hachiko's life has been portrayed in a book and motion picture (The Hachiko Story). Travelers going through Shibuya station can buy gifts and souvenirs of their favorite canine at the Hachiko Memorial Store called Shibuya No Shippo or "Tail of Shibuya." A colorful mosaic of Akitas at play covers the nearby wall of the station.

Hachiko may be gone but he will never be forgotten. The story behind the statue is one that has endured and continually warms the hearts of locals and tourists alike.


Making the Movie of Hachiko


Bonnie & Sushi

There was also a movie made about it in the 80's. It is in Japanese but with English subtitles. I bought it at Fairview Mall from a DVD store for $3. It was a really good movie and so heartwarming to see how much the dog loved his owner.

CNN interviewed Richard Gere about the movie. Extreme puppy cuteness alert!!!

INTERVIEW


Bonnie & Sushi

Our Darling little Colby came to us from Asa Hanna Kennels in North Carolina. We were there the day he was born and eagerly awaited the day we could take him home with us. About 2 weeks after we got him home we got a call from the breeder that they needed to use Colby for the filming of Hachiko in Rhode Island.

For a number of reasons, we were not really interested and besides we were already tons attachted and couldn't bear to loose him for 2 weeks. The set trainer called us and asked us to please let Colby come up that Monday to start shooting. They needed pups from all the same litter and they already had planned to bring up his sis' and had two "cousins" born 6 weeks earlier, with them who were too big for the role and too feisty already.

We agreed and they flew Colby and I to RI the next day. I got to go to the trainer's house and check out the accomodations in Bristol and then headed to Woonsocket to be on the set by 6 am. It was super cold, and Colby had never seen snow so I was glad to be there for this cute first moment. We ended up having a 9am curtain call and headed straight down the street to the station. The trainer had me get out some kibble and take Colby to Richard Gere. We filmed quite a few shots of the same scene before the first break. Richard was fun and kept on snuggling Colby. His sister didn't make it that day so she missed out on the filming. We worked on and off with Richard until about two when I had to head out to catch my plane.

Richard was really down to earth and wonderful with Colby. He would walk around with him between takes and comfort him. He was surprised to find out that I was not a trainer. Firstly, Colby was really well behaved compared to the other dogs and especially for a male and that I was so concerned to hand deliver him and then allow them to keep him for 2 weeks. He personally thanked me, which was really kind.

The next week they taped at the College and Colby continued to shoot the scenes for use. His sister had arrived but Richard and the Assistant Director preferred Colby from what the trainer told me. She said he was just so easy to work with and did exactly what they needed him to do. We were actually quite surprised to watch the CNN show, because the trainer thought that both she and Colby were cut from the final airing.

Our family, friends and neighbors all watched the interview, and followed along by watching you tube footage online and reading stories in the projo and ramcigar. It was really a wonderful experience and Colby sure did love his time there. We can't wait til the movie comes out... we are still in the dark about the whole plot, being that they americanized it. He is sure attention starved now after having loads of people gushing over him all day. Once production is finished in June, I should get the still shots that they promised and I will post them.

thanks for posting this elysia!! I think its really cool that u did this and that your shiba was such a wonderful role model for Shibas. I want to thank you for letting us in on a bit of your story and what it was like to do this type of work. As no one here has had those opportunities, i think its neat to get the owners of the dogs perspective. Thanks. I enjoyed reading your story very much!
jackie, kitsune and kali (That Colby is a SUPERSTAR!!...he got to lick Richard Gere!! )

bump for recent discussion

I just purchased it on DVD this weekend. Haven't watched it yet but looks really good : )

like real DVD or pacific mall / china town DVD? i haven't gone look to see where it's avail...

I read in a yahoo group that it is available on Amazon.com

Bonnie & Sushi