Hachiko: The True Story of the Royal Dogs of Japan and One Faithful Akita Paperback – November 1, 2009

Hachiko was a real dog from Tokyo, Japan who lived between 1923 and 1935. He is known all over Japan and a good portion of the world as "Chuken" Hachiko, meaning "faithful dog", because, when his master, a Japanese agriculture professor, died suddenly, Hachiko, for some 10 years, came to the same train station in Tokyo where he had greeted his master each afternoon as the professor returned from the university. "Hachiko - The True Story of the Royal Dogs of Japan and One Faithful Akita" tells the actual tale of this marvelous dog without fictionalization and also includes information about the Akita breed. Although the book probably is aimed at an elementary school age audience, I found it quite engaging and informative as an adult, too.I first learned about this remarkable dog by watching "Hachi - A Dog's Tale" [DVD\Blu-Ray], an Americanized version of this story starring Richard Gere and a couple of pretty wonderful Akita dogs. When you pop it into the DVD player, be sure to have a box of tissues handy. Although it is both a little sanitized from what really happened to the real Hachiko and more sad than what actually happened, it still packs an emotional punch.There are a couple of other books available on Amazon that are partially fictional accounts of caring and concerned young persons who grow up as Hachiko maintains his vigil. These books, "Hachiko Waits" and "Hachiko - The True Story of A Loyal Dog" probably are aimed at a child of maybe 3rd or 4th grade, but, it never talks down, and is certainly a gentle reminder that being faithful, concerned, and caring are good characteristics for humans to have as well as faithful dogs.Get the movie and read the books. Or read the books and watch the movie - either works.

A beautiful book about our pets and the loyalty they have to their owners. This book is great for all ages. It is so sweet but there was also some sadness. I would recommend it.

This story was heart warming and beautiful! The end left me with a lump in my throat and a sad knot in my stomach. I found a stray puppy who is now a very loyal pet and from the 2nd and 3rd parts of this book I now think that the veterinarian mistook the part akita in her as part chow. The 2nd and 3rd parts were very informative from a historical point of view. I had no idea Helen Keller had gone to Japan to get an akita for herself after her teacher died. And of course I learned a lot about the suffering the Japanese people went through during WW2. The "Its a Fact" sections were a great enhancement to the book. Readers can learn alot from this book. The only thing I suggest is that amazon.com sell it as a Kindle Single for 2.99 instead of 4.99. I read the whole thing in about 2 hours.

I recently saw the movie, "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" and was interested to see if I could find it in book form--I did. I hghly recommend this book to any dog lover. It is a warm non-fiction story that shows how a dog has feelings for his master and is loyal to the end. The movie is actually an American version of the original Japanese story.

It was interestting however I thought it would be more interesting to anyone looking to purchase the breed or going to the country of origin of the dog. I was interested because you often hear about dogs and how they relate to their one master. Just for interest we have a neighbour who pasted away this last month. Their dog has been looking for him ever since the day he had to be ambulanced to the hospital and now has not come back. The dog will not leave the spouse now on her own. They say dogs have only one master and maybe this is true. Dogs have more human tendencies and loyalities than we know. A dog is your friend for life when you treat them with respect and kindness. I believe many humans need to look at this book and compare.

As you see.

I loved the Hachiko story. I lived in Japan for several years and visited the Shibuya train station, where his statue is. This book is great but for older kids. My son preferred watching the movie which is highly recommended (the one with Richard Gere). I think the story of Hachiko can touch anyone's heart, from small kids to adults, and teach everyone how to be respectful towards animals and special our beloved pets.

Very impressed with the story behind the movie. Knowable story on the begining of this breed of dogs found it very helpful. Still hard to believe the love this dog had for its master. Gives me a must different feel for this animal in many ways.Very special story!

The book tells the story of Hachi, and in addition , it gives you background information of the breeds struggle to survive, I found it a very interesting read.

A great true but sad story story

A very nice story enjoyable

Touching stroy, but seems to be more about the idiosyncrasies of the Japanese national character rather than the life of a faithful dog.