Imagine walking to the same place every day, to meet your best friend. Imagine watching hundreds of people pass by every morning and every afternoon. Imagine waiting, and waiting, and waiting. For ten years. This is what Hachiko did. Hachiko was a real dog who lived in Tokyo, a dog who faithfully waited for his owner at the Shibuya train station long after his owner could not come to meet him. He became famous for his loyalty and was adored by scores of people who passed through the station every day. This is Hachiko’s story through the eyes of Kentaro, a young boy whose life is changed forever by his friendship with this very special dog. Simply told, and illustrated with Yan Nascimbene’s lush watercolors, the legend of Hachiko will touch your heart and inspire you as it has inspired thousands all over the world.

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This true story of a dog that faithfully waited for his owner at a Tokyo train station is now the basis for an upcoming feature film starring Richard Gere. Full color.

In 1924, Professor Ueno Eizaburo of Tokyo Imperial University adopted an Akita puppy he named Hachiko. Each evening Hachiko greeted Ueno on his return to Shibuya Station. In May 1925 Ueno died while giving a lecture. Every day for over nine years the Akita waited at Shibuya Station, eventually becoming nationally and even internationally famous for his purported loyalty. A year before his death in 1935, the city of Tokyo erected a statue of Hachiko outside the station. The story of Hachiko reveals much about the place of dogs in Japan's cultural imagination. In the groundbreaking Empire of Dogs, Aaron Herald Skabelund examines the history and cultural significance of dogs in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Japan, beginning with the arrival of Western dog breeds and new modes of dog keeping, which spread throughout the world with Western imperialism. He highlights how dogs joined with humans to create the modern imperial world and how, in turn, imperialism shaped dogs' bodies and their relationship with humans through its impact on dog-breeding and dog-keeping practices that pervade much of the world today. In a book that is both enlightening and entertaining, Skabelund focuses on actual and metaphorical dogs in a variety of contexts: the rhetorical pairing of the Western "colonial dog" with native canines; subsequent campaigns against indigenous canines in the imperial realm; the creation, maintenance, and in some cases restoration of Japanese dog breeds, including the Shiba Inu; the mobilization of military dogs, both real and fictional; and the emergence of Japan as a "pet superpower" in the second half of the twentieth century. Through this provocative account, Skabelund demonstrates how animals generally and canines specifically have contributed to the creation of our shared history, and how certain dogs have subtly influenced how that history is told. Generously illustrated with both color and black-and-white images, Empire of Dogs shows that human-canine relations often expose how people—especially those with power and wealth—use animals to define, regulate, and enforce political and social boundaries between themselves and other humans, especially in imperial contexts.

In 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life, Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno didn't return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting. Hachiko was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. After time, Hachiko realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachiko waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day, he didn't see his friend among the commuters at the station. Hachiko became a permanent fixture at the train station, which eventually attracted the attention of commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachiko and Professor Ueno together. Realizing that Hachiko waited in vigil for his dead master, their hearts were touched. They brought Hachiko treats and food to nourish him during his wait. This continued for 10 years, with Hachiko appearing precisely when the train was due at the station. Hachiko: The Story of the Royal Dogs of Japan and One Faithful Akita is Hachiko’s story, as well as an informative look at dog culture in Japan and the history and tradition of the Akita-ken, one of the most ancient, beloved, and faithful dog breeds.

Extensive reading is essential for improving fluency and there is a real need in the ELT classroom for contemporary, low-level reading material for younger learners. The reader is based on the true story of Hachiko, the dog who kept a vigil for his owner at a train station in Tokyo for many years after his owner's death.

For Upper Beginning and Above Students of Japanese Embark on a fascinating journey through Japan's 20th century with our unique Japanese reader, specifically designed for upper beginner students. "20th Century Japanese Stories: Hachiko, Instant Ramen, and Kurosawa" is not just a book, but a comprehensive learning experience that brings to life the tales of iconic figures who left an indelible mark on the world. In this engaging collection, you'll explore three captivating essays: 1. The Loyal Dog, Hachiko: Uncover the touching story of loyalty and unwavering devotion that captured the hearts of millions. 2. The Japanese Man who Invented Instant Ramen: Discover the incredible innovation that revolutionized global cuisine. 3. World-Renown Kurosawa: Delve into the life of Kurosawa Akira, whose visionary work transformed the landscape of cinema. But it's more than just reading. Included with your purchase are Anki flashcard decks, complete with all the vocabulary from the stories, comprehensive sound files, and detailed pitch accent diagrams – at no extra charge! Key Features: Dual Speed MP3 Sound Files: Receive FREE access to native Japanese speaker recordings, available in both slow and normal speeds. Enhance your learning by listening while reading. Detailed Language Breakdowns: Each sentence is broken down, offering word-for-word translations and grammar explanations. Kanji Support: Furigana is provided for all kanji (except in the all Japanese text which is to test your kanji reading ability), catering to those new to kanji reading. Kanji in Focus: Special sections highlighting key kanji from each story, enhancing your understanding and retention. Uninterrupted Japanese Texts: Challenge yourself with full Japanese-only versions of each story, perfect for immersive reading practice. Literal English Translations: Test your comprehension with our straightforward English translations. Remember, try working through the Japanese text first! Contact the Authors: Your learning journey doesn't end with the last page. We welcome questions and suggestions for future readers. Our personal email addresses are included in the book. Whether you're a dedicated student of the Japanese language or a curious enthusiast of Japanese culture and history, this book is an invaluable resource. Dive into the 20th century's most influential Japanese stories and enhance your language skills in a uniquely engaging way. Let's embark on this exciting journey into Japanese language and culture together. To your Japanese!

Hachi-Ko, the samurai dog of Japan, became a celebrity in Tokyo during the turbulent 1930s. He was honored by a statue and a special celebration with thousands of guestsaeven while he was living as a wild street dog in a drainpipe. Once the cherished pet of Professor Eizaburo Ueno, Hachi-Ko won fame among young and old for his undying loyalty to the memory of his master. He returned like clockwork to meet the commuter train at Shibuya Train Station at the same time every day for seven years, despite battles with delinquents, dogcatchers, and vicious strays who threatened him and his friends. Faithful to his death, Hachi-Ko is famous even today as the Akita samurai dog of Japan. Shizuko O. Koster, author of the award-winning non-fiction story aThe Day Mother Sold the Family Swords, a ventures back to her motheras generation to tell the whole story of Tokyoas four-legged hero: Hachi-Ko.

Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain is a stunning portrait of the Japanese rebel who single-handedly rescued the 4,000-year-old Akita dog breed. At the end of World War II, there were only 16 Akita dogs left in Japan. Morie Sawataishi became obsessed with preventing the extinction of the 4,000-year-old Japanese dog breed. He defied convention, broke the law, gave up a prestigious job, and chose instead to take his urbanite wife to Japan's forbidding snow country to start a family, and devote himself entirely to saving the Akita. Martha Sherrill blends archival research, on-site reportage, and her talent for narrative to reveal Sawataishi's world, providing a profound look at what it takes to be an individual in a culture where rebels are rare, while expertly portraying a side of Japan that is rarely seen by outsiders.