A memorial service for the faithful dog Hachiko, known for waiting for his deceased owner to return home, was held on the 8th in front of the statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
This memorial service is held every year by local shopping streets and tourist associations around Shibuya Station, where the Hachiko statue is located, to remember Hachi, and this year marks the 89th anniversary.
It is held one month later than March 8th, the anniversary of Hachi's death, in order to coincide with the warm season when cherry blossoms bloom, but as the cherry blossoms have continued to bloom earlier in the past few years, this year is the first time in a long time that the cherry blossoms have bloomed earlier. The memorial service was held under cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Approximately 80 people attended the memorial service, including the family of sculptor Tsukasa Ando, who created the Hachiko statue, Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe, and the mayor of Hachi's birthplace, Odate City, Akita Prefecture.
Hachi, who waited in front of Shibuya Station for the return of his deceased owner, has become popular with visitors from overseas, and has been made into a film both domestically and internationally as ``The Faithful Dog Hachiko.''
A ritual was held under the watchful eye of the tourists who were present, and those in attendance offered offerings of tamagushi to remember Hachi.
And a wreath was placed around the Hachiko statue's neck.
Junko, the eldest daughter of Tsukasa Ando, who attended the memorial service, said, ``I'm glad we were able to hold the memorial service while cherry blossom petals were dancing.I hope that the Hachiko statue will become a symbol of peace in the future as well.'' I was there.