A Bittersweet Glass of Dog Water

    Ramune is a Japanese drink that I sometimes consume at school or at home. It has this cool marble inside of the bottle that allows it to open. It’s carbonated and usually worth around $5 a bottle if my memory isn’t failing me. 7/10 ☆‼︎ 

    $5 for a single bottle may seem expensive, but alas there’s some things in this world that you can’t put a price on… like loyalty.

    During class, this week I assisted in presenting the story and monument of Hachiko, a dog who waited outside of a train station for ten years waiting for his owner to return. Who unfortunately had long died of cerebral hemorrhage. The statue represents an undying loyalty that people should strive for. Even when dead or alive, the dog awaits the return of his owner.

(Memorial Of Hachiko Outside of Shibuya Station)

    I think it was a good choice to display him in such a triumphant light. With his paws out sternly and his head up high. Since it portrays Hachiko as a triumphant companion for his lifelong dedication to his owner, rather than a misfortune dog who was left behind. The story is sad enough on its own, so I think representing Hachiko’s character rather than his misfortune is inspiring to the viewer.

    There is a noticeable discoloration in the paw area, where it’s much lighter than the rest of the statue. I think it comes from people holding the paws of the Hachiko statue. Giving Hachiko the embrace he would have desired from his owner had he returned.

    While researching for this blog I discovered another Hachiko statue. It was unveiled around 10 years ago at the University of Tokyo school of Agriculture, since Hachiko’s owner, Dr.Ueno was an agricultural scientist. It shows the dog up on two legs as he embraces his owner, who has left his briefcase on the floor to interact with his long-lost dog.

     (Statue at Tokyo Univercity School of Agriculture)

    After decades of being lost in the living world, both Hachiko and Dr.Ueno can finally unite and remain together forever in bronze.

    This statue symbolizes a belief in that no matter how long you wait, you will be reunited with what is special to you. In the living or in the dead. As Hachiko failed to forget his owner after almost a decade of believing he would come back one day, the world has failed to forget this story, believing in Hachiko’s loyalty and faithfulness as characteristics we long to achieve.