It is the most famous dog in the world and is a symbol of absolute devotion, friendship, love and loyalty. Hachiko, which means “eighth auspicious prince” in Japanese, was born on November 10, 1923 in Odate, Japan. His unique story has been captured on the pages of books and has also been transferred to cinema.

This is the shocking story of the most famous Akita who continued to wait until the end of his life for his master, who passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage, at a train station in Japan.

“Akita dogs are calm, intelligent, brave and obedient to their masters.” said Eietsu Sakuraba, author of a children’s book about Hachiko. “On the other hand, they are stubborn and wary of strangers».

At the place where he waited, outside the Shibuya station in Tokyo, a bronze statue has been created in which hundreds of visitors are photographed every day. His story is taught in every school in Japan as an example of friendship, utmost devotion and loyalty.

“Hachiko represents the “ideal Japanese citizen” with his “unquestioning loyalty”says Christine Yano, a professor at the University of Hawaii.

This year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, a series of events will take place.

When asked by the BBC if he will continue in the next 100 years to carry the title of the world’s most loyal friend, Christine Yano answers positively because “Hachiko’s heroism” is timeless.

“Even in the next hundred years this unconditional devoted love will remain unchanged and Hachiko’s story will live on forever“, said the author just as optimistically. It is noted that on March 8, 1935, passers-by found Hachiko dead in an alley near Shibuya Station.