This is a story from 100 years ago, when a college professor lived in Shibuya and doted on his dog “Hachi.” Whenever he left his house he would take his dog with him.

However, one day the professor suddenly collapsed due to a brain hemorrhage, passing away as a result. Hachi was adopted by another family, but he missed his previous owner so much that he returned to Shibuya on his own. He ended up being adopted by another family living in Shibuya, but he would still go to Shibuya Station every morning and evening when the professor used to commute to and from work.

Hachi was a pure white dog, but he got dirtier and dirtier from his daily commutes to the station. Those around the dog started to sympathize with him, and an article was published about “the dog that still waits for his owner, even though he has passed away.” Hachi, who was thrust into the spotlight overnight, came to be known as the “Faithful Dog Hachi-ko,” and was loved by the local people. While Hachi was alive, there was even a bronze statue erected in his honor and he would continue to sit next to that statue waiting for his owner to return.

Ten years after the professor passed away, Hachi too crossed over the rainbow bridge. Today, people meet by the statue of Hachiko, continuing the cycle of waiting and reuniting. Those who have heard the story of Hachi, no matter how long they are kept waiting, will probably be able to keep on waiting for as long as it takes.