For nine years after his master’s death, a dog named Hachiko daily watched for his master’s return at the train station where he had last seen him. Precisely when the train was due, the faithful dog would arrive. Disappointed each time, he never ceased watching until the day he died.

It was a wintry day in Japan when Professor Ueno brought home a three-month-old Akita puppy named Hachiko. Hachiko was born in 1923 and brought to Tokyo by Professor Ueno from the University of Tokyo. He would accompany Ueno to Shibuya Station each morning, and wait there for him to return in the evening. Every morning Hachiko would follow the professor to the train station, and every afternoon, just before 3:00, he would return to eagerly greet his master as he returned from work.

The dog was only a year-and-a-half old when, one afternoon, he did not see his master among the passengers leaving the train. On May 21, 1925, Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage that day while giving a lecture. Disappointed, Hachiko returned again the next day, precisely at the time he had come to expect his master’s return.

He would wait at the same spot where he last saw Ueno, hoping he would arrive on the train.

Despite Ueno's death, Hachiko continued his daily routine. Day after day, the poor dog faithfully returned to the train station, watching for his beloved master. He would wait at the same spot where he last saw Ueno, hoping he would arrive on the train. Time would not erode Hachiko’s loyalty and hope that he would again see his master’s face.

Hachiko's story was eventually published in a newspaper, and he became a local celebrity. People began to bring him food and treats, and a statue was erected in his honor at Shibuya Station in 1934. Hachiko attended the unveiling ceremony.

Hachiko died on March 8, 1935, at the age of 11, after nearly ten years of waiting. He was buried next to his beloved owner, Professor Ueno, in a cemetery. His pelt was preserved and is now on display at the National Science Museum of Japan.

The Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station remains a popular meeting spot today, and is an enduring symbol of loyalty and companionship.

You know, our Master has instructed us to watch and be ready for His return. Are we watching with the earnestness and faith of Hachiko? Or does time weaken our certainty in Jesus’ soon return?

Unlike Hachiko, who waited in vain, we have the promise, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” Habakkuk 2:3. With this assurance, let us increase our diligence to watch, pray, and work in this fast-closing window of time before Jesus ceases His intercession for mankind.

 

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