The Hachiko statue commemorates an Akita dog remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner. In 1924, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo, took in Hachiko as a pet. Hachiko greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno died and did not return. Each day for the next nine years Hachiko awaited his master's return, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station. Hachiko's legendary faithfulness is now a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.