In 1923, in Akita, Japan, a dog of the Akita breed was born. His name was Hachiko.
Professor Ueno of Tokyo Imperial University took him as a pet and brought him to live in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Every day Hachiko went to the station and met his owner when the train pulled in.
It looked like an ordinary habit between a man and a dog.
On May 21, 1925, Ueno died suddenly at his workplace from a cerebral hemorrhage.
The dog never stopped coming.
He returned every day, right when the train was due, and waited for a man who would not step off.
How long?
Nine years, nine months and 15 days.
At first the station staff were not friendly.
Hachiko was in their way.
On October 4, 1932, the newspaper Asahi Shimbun published an article about him. People started bringing him food and treats while he waited.
He was then one of only 30 documented purebred Akitas, and he turned into a symbol of loyalty.
Neither old age nor arthritis broke the habit.
He even reached the unveiling of his own statue and stood among the crowd.
On March 8, 1935, Hachiko died.
The train still stops at the station.
His owner never steps off it again.
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