Yashibu town's Bachi statue.
Ryusei No Rockman's Yashibu Town is a fairly interesting place. A bustling commercial district with it's giant revolving Moai-esque statue, department store that houses a whole event hall on the roof, and a statue of a dog named "Bachi" that serves as a meeting point. While the general oddities may make this area seem like a spontaneous original creation, its name is a mere one syllable location alteration of Tokyo's Shibuya, the area's busiest shopping district. And this gives new context to that strange dog statue meeting spot,...
Our story goes back to 1923. Being the 8th in his litter, a Akita puppy was born into the name of Hachiko (ハチ公) and was adopted by Ueno Hidesaburoh. While not the only dog the professor owned, the two appear to be particularly close. Ueno worked as a professor at the Imperial University's Agriculture Department, a short distance away from his home in Shibuya. So each morning the professor would make his way to the Shibuya Train Station for his daily commute. Ever the loyal dog, Hachiko would accompany his master on his walk to the station. And at the day's end, Hachiko would return to the station to "pick up" his master, accompanying him on his journey home. It was a sweet regular routine for the two.
Shibuya Station circa 1930's
That is until one day, the routine abruptly stopped. On May 21st 1925, the professor had suffered a stroke and sadly passed away at the University. The loyal dog who saw his master off that morning never saw him return. But he continued to wait for him. From that day forward, Hachiko would return to the train station and spend his day loyally waiting for his master. Regardless of the weather, and despite attempts by caretakers trying to keep him away, Hachiko would always return to the station and wait til the last train of the day, hoping to one day see his beloved master again.
Photo by Locus Root Journal
This faithful practice went on for days, weeks, months, and eventually years. Naturally the commuters and station workers took notice of the dog oddly consistent visits. A former student of Ueno would learn of the dog, and started to spread Hachiko's story of devotion. And after newspapers picked up on the former student's articles, people started flocking to the station to see the dog's daily steadfast vigil. In honor of the dog's faithfulness, a bronze statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station in March 1934. Since it was at the station, Hachiko was naturally at the unveiling.
It would be another year before Hachiko would finally succumb to failing health. The dog was found dead in 1935, a victim to cancer and worms from living on the streets near the station. While his decade's long is now at it's end, his legend lives on to this day. He has been dubbed "Faithful Dog Hatchiko" (忠犬ハチ公), a symbol in Japan of what human loyalty should stride to be. Along with the statue, an shrine to the dog has been built near his owner's grave. And his account has been retold in story countless times. Most recently a Hollywood Movie staring Richard Gere had been produced by Sony pictures, though resetting the story in modern times United States. And of course, bringing us back full circle, A thinly veiled "Bachi" statue in Ryusei no Rockman's Yashibu town.
Today, March 8th 2012, is the 77th anniversary of Hachiko's death. If you find yourself in playing Ryusei no Rockman sometime in the near future, I do implore you to pay "Bachi" the respect his inspiration deserves.
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