Have you heard the story about Hachiko? Have you watched the movie entitled "Hachi: A Dog's Tale(2009)"? Well, some of us here might know about it most especially for those people who are dog lover like me. I had knew about this movie when we were having a retreat during highschool days. Meanwhile, as we go deeper to the movie, my bestfriend wiped my tears. I didn't noticed myself that I was crying. It's just I felt the movie that time. I can't explain how the movie touched me, not just me, but all of us. The impact of the movie really inspiring.
Anyways, why Hachiko was being named as the "legend faithful dog"?
The legend of the dog known as Hachiko has acknowledged not only in Japan, but across the world. The endearing and cute Akita dog's firm loyalty to his owner attained him the nickname, "Chuken Hachiko", which means “faithful dog Hachiko." Hachiko is a magnificent dog for he has an ability to detect feelings, to be able to know the people who love him. Throughout his lifetime, the dog was held up in Japanese culture as an example of loyalty and fidelity. After his death, he continues to be remembered in worldwide popular culture, with statues, movies, books, and appearances in various media.
Allow me to share to you the summary description of Hachiko's story.
In 1924, a professor named Hidesaburo Ueno took in Hachiko, a golden brown Akita as a pet. Ueno was a professor in agriculture science at the University of Tokyo. He had looked for the perfect Akita puppy for a long time. Above all, Hidesaburo loved his dog and treated him as a son.
As Hachiko grew older, he started out to see his owner off to work every morning at the Shibuya Train Station in central Tokyo. In the afternoon, Hachiko came back to pick his owner at the station when he returned from work. And so, the pair continued their daily routine.
Hachiko was as commonly sitting by the exit at Shibuya Train Station waiting for his beloved owner. Until May 21, 1925, two years after Hachiko was born, professor Ueno did not return. It turned out that Ueno suffered from a cerebral hemorrahge and died unexpectedly while at work, never returning to the train station where Hachiko was waiting.
Hachiko moved in with a latter gardener of the Ueno family. Each day, althroughout of his ten-year long life, Hachiko kept on waiting to the Shibuya Station looked exactly when the train was due to enter the station conceitedly waiting for the return of his owner which sadly never came back.
Most of the commuters at the station first thought that he was just roaming around, but when they realized that he was waiting for his dead master, vendors began giving him bits of food and water.
THE LEGACY OF HACHIKO CONTINUES
A Japanese newspaper reporter looked for the story of Hachiko and published it which take Hachiko becoming well-known celebrity all over Japan.
In 1934, a statue of Hachiko was sculptured in front of Shibuya Train Station. The Hachiko statue is Tokyo's most commonly known meeting place and a famous Shibuya landmark.
Hachiko was laid to rest in Aoyama Cemetery, a quiet and peaceful location. He shares his gravesite with none other than his beloved human companion, Professor Ueno.
Hachiko became a well-known sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory affected and impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty to which all should strive to achieve. Hence, people in Japan use Hachiko's vigil as a good example.
THOUGHTS:
Hachiko was consider as a hero. He was an inspiration to all of us for showing that not just human can give an unconditional love and loyalty, also, dogs or even other animals can do it. Yes! They might not even can talk but they have their own ways to show that they love and cherished us as their owners. Hachiko was a good example to u and for that, thank you Hachiko for you had showed us how important love and loyalty in our loves. You really made me cry. I saluted you!
P.S. I suggest for those who haven't watch the movie entitled "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" a British-American movie played by the famous actor named Richard Gere. Have time to watch it with your family and your dog as well. I swear it to you this movie was really inspiring. It will make you heart melt and touched.
