Hachiko
/hɑːtʃiːkoʊ/noun
Hachiko was a Japanese Akita dog remembered for returning to Tokyo’s Shibuya Station for nearly nine years after his owner’s death.
Did you know?Hachiko’s original name was Hachi, meaning “eight”; the respectful kō was added later by admirers and newspapers to honor his legendary fidelity.
Etymological Timeline
1923
Japanese
Hachi
“The dog’s original name, meaning “eight”; the number may have referred to his physical form or his owner’s personal choice.”
1925
Japanese
ハチ公 (Hachikō)
“After Professor Hidesaburō Ueno died, Hachi continued waiting at Shibuya Station; kō was attached as a respectful honorific.”
1930s
Japanese
忠犬ハチ公 (Chūken Hachikō)
““Faithful dog Hachikō,” a public epithet that turned the dog into a national symbol of loyalty.”
1934
Japanese
ハチ公像 (Hachikō-zō)
“A bronze statue of Hachikō was unveiled at Shibuya Station during his lifetime.”
Modern English
English
Hachiko
“A globally recognized symbol of unwavering loyalty, memorialized in books, films, and the Shibuya meeting place named after him.”