One of the most famous Akitas was "Hachiko" a legend in Japan. This loyal
Akita accompanied his master, Professor Eisaburo Ueno of Tokyo University, to the train station daily to see him off, then at 3:00 p.m., Hachiko would return
to greet his master at the station. One day Hachiko waited patiently as he did
every other day, but his master was not on the train. Professor Ueno had died suddenly at the University that day. The loyal Hachiko waited at the station until midnight.

Each day Hachiko continued to meet the 3:00 train, hoping his beloved master would return. The stations agents realizing why the dog returned each day, began to feed him and give him shelter from the weather. Hachiko became a landmark; his unaltering routine became well known to communters, his fame spreading nationwide. Japanese schoolbooks talk of his great love for his master and he was both pitied and admired. He died nearly ten years after his master. Hachiko had become a legend and a bronze statue was erected in the very spot in Shibuya Station where he had waited so faithfully those many years. Today the statue that sits outside Shibuya Station has become a favorite meeting spot for young people. Many touch the statue for luck. (full story of Hachi-ko w/pictures)