Japan celebrates 100th birthday of loyal dog Hachiko

Residents from different places in Japan came together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the famous loyal dog Hachiko.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “I-Witness,” Hachiko marked his 100th birthday on November 10, and it was commemorated with a grand celebration at Odate City in Akita Prefecture.

Various Hachiko merchandise and souvenir items, along with some food options, were available at the event.

The program was graced by well-known personalities in Japan, including the mayors of Shibuya and Odate City, as well as officials from the Hachiko Preservation Society.

“First of all, as you may know, Hachiko is indeed a globally famous dog. However, I felt that not many people are aware that Hachiko was born here in Odate and that he is of the Akita breed. The goal is to make people around the world more aware of Hachiko and, in turn, introduce them to Odate through this project,” Hachi 100th Anniversary Project leader Shiori Hamada said.

”I would like to continue growing this project to achieve that purpose,” she continued.

Hachiko’s monument at the Akita Dog Visitor Center in Odate also received flowers from Ryosako Saito, the grandson of Hachiko’s original owner.

To complete the celebration, a birthday song and birthday cake were also dedicated to the loyal dog.

Born in 1923, Hachiko is known for going to Shibuya train station every day to wait for his deceased owner. The fur baby continued to do so for nine years, until his own death in 1935.

To remember his loyalty, Japan honored Hachiko with a statue that has become a popular tourist spot.

This year, another loyal dog from the Philippines went viral for patiently waiting for his owner’s arrival at the Bogo City port in Cebu.

—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News