How many years did Hachiko wait for his owner?

How many years did Hachiko wait for his owner? - briefly

Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog, is renowned for his unwavering devotion to his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. After Ueno's sudden death in 1925, Hachiko continued to wait for his return at Shibuya Station in Tokyo for approximately nine years until his own death in 1934.

How many years did Hachiko wait for his owner? - in detail

Hachiko, a loyal Akita dog, is renowned for his unwavering devotion to his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. The story of Hachiko's loyalty has captivated hearts worldwide, particularly due to the duration of his vigil.

Professor Ueno and Hachiko formed a deep bond. Every day, Ueno would commute to work at Tokyo Imperial University, and Hachiko would accompany him to the Shibuya Station. Upon Ueno's return, Hachiko would be there to greet him. This routine continued until May 1925, when Professor Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while lecturing and passed away shortly thereafter.

Following Ueno's death, Hachiko was initially taken in by a relative. However, the dog's profound grief and his persistent attempts to return to Shibuya Station led to his eventual return to the area. Hachiko began waiting at the station every day, hoping for his owner's return. This behavior continued for nearly a decade.

The exact duration of Hachiko's wait can be calculated from May 1925, when Ueno passed away, until March 1935, when Hachiko himself died. This period spans approximately nine years and ten months. During this time, Hachiko's presence at Shibuya Station became a familiar sight to commuters, and his story of loyalty and devotion spread throughout Japan.

Hachiko's faithfulness touched the hearts of many, and he became a symbol of loyalty. His story was first published in 1932 in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which further popularized his tale. In 1934, a bronze statue of Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station, commemorating his loyalty. This statue remains a popular meeting spot and a poignant reminder of Hachiko's enduring wait.

In summary, Hachiko waited for his owner for approximately nine years and ten months, from the time of Professor Ueno's death in May 1925 until Hachiko's own passing in March 1935. His story serves as a testament to the profound bond between humans and their pets, highlighting the depth of loyalty and devotion that animals are capable of.