Statue of Hachikō, Statue in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
The Statue of Hachikō is a bronze sculpture of an Akita dog, standing on a rock-like base atop a stone pedestal, located outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo. The dog faces forward, with a white sash edged in red draped across its chest, and the pedestal bears a dark plaque with four large characters.
The original bronze statue was unveiled in 1934, with Hachikō himself present, but it was melted down during World War II. In 1948, a new statue made by Takeshi Andō, son of the first sculptor, was erected and still stands today.
The area around the statue is known as Hachikō-guchi, and it serves as a common meeting spot for people in Shibuya. Visitors often stop to take photos, and the small space is frequently used as a landmark for friends and colleagues to gather.
The statue is easy to find, just outside the Hachikō exit of Shibuya Station, and it is accessible at any time of day. Because it is a popular meeting point, you may want to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
The statue has been dressed in various items over the years, such as a red scarf and a Peruvian poncho, reflecting different events. Also, a separate sculpture of Hachikō and his owner stands at the University of Tokyo, unveiled in 2015.
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