December, 1923
Odate Town, Akita Prefecture
I'm Kakita from the agricultural engineering section.
It's some blizzard.
How's it going?
It'll probably take till morning.
Let's go and see.
Are they born yet?
- Thanks. - Make yourself comfortable.
The male is purebred from Onoda Gorozaemon's place.
It'll be a fine litter.
Our chief engineer, Mr. Mase, was asked by his mentor,
Professor Ueno Hidejiro of Tokyo,
to find him an Akita puppy.
When Aka was born,
we had a snowstorm for three days and nights.
We almost thought our house would collapse.
They are born!
The Story of Hachi
When you suddenly yelled out, "They are born!"
I thought your wife had given birth.
I've already got five kids.
I couldn't handle another one.
Here's the house.
Professor Ueno is one of our country's top agricultural engineers
and he's very fond of dogs.
When I visited him last year, he had just lost his dog.
A female Akita, not a purebred though.
Please come inside.
He mentioned then that he wanted a purebred next time.
He'll be overjoyed.
I'll notify him right away.
May I use the phone?
Go ahead.
Right here.
I'd like Tokyo please.
Tokyo, Aoyama... number is 2007.
Coming.
His daughter is another dog lover.
It's a Mr. Mase from the Akita prefectural office.
Hello, this is Chizuko.
My parents are in Hakone at Tonosawa Hot Springs.
They go there every year.
I'll be happy to take a message.
Yes?
A dog?
An Akita?
You're giving it to us?
That's wonderful.
It was born this morning.
A fine looking pup.
Today is December 16th.
So after the new year...
Yes. I'll call my father right away.
Thank you so much.
We're going to get an Akita puppy.
A dog, again?
What do you mean "again"?
It's a purebred Akita.
I must call Father. What's the number in Hakone?
Look, a singing frog.
Welcome back.
Your daughter is on the line.
Really?
Shall I put the call through to your room?
Thank you.
A man from the Akita prefectural office... What was his name?
Mase!
Right! Mr. Mase called.
A beautiful Akita puppy was born this morning.
He said that you had asked for one.
Not really...
But Mase was there when Gonsuke died.
He said he'd send me an Akita.
So I just asked him to keep us in mind.
No more dogs.
Yes, well... It was a sad-time when Gonsuke died.
Even you cried.
So let's not get another dog.
It's too late to refuse.
Mr. Mase really wants us to have it.
If you don't want it, I'll take care of it.
I've always wanted a purebred Akita.
She says that, but I'm the one who'll have to take care of it.
Even when she found Gonsuke in front of the train station.
I had to do everything,
and I hate dogs.
I hate cats and dogs!
You promised me when Gonsuke died that
we wouldn't have any more dogs.
But Chizuko insists.
Well, I'm opposed to it.
It's a purebred this time.
Purebred or mixed,
I don't want to go through that sadness again.
Chizuko says she'll take care of it.
Look, it's snowing.
Stay healthy now.
I hope they like him.
Take care.
I'm going out. Don't forget to pick up the dog.
- I have to pick up the dog? - Yes.
What's going on?
I intended to go to the station with you,
but I changed my mind an hour ago.
I'm going to a concert at Hibiya Park.
Excuse me.
It's Tsumoru.
I'll be right down.
I...
I'm sorry.
That's an idea.
She's always so fickle.
Kiku!
He's not here.
Where is he? It's urgent.
Oops! Sorry.
Hey, don't break it, will you?
I'm right here.
Kiku...
What's the big rush?
There's a dog arriving at 3p.m. at Shibuya Station.
Another one besides Gonsuke?
Gonsuke died last year.
He did?
You're right... I took him to the crematory myself.
If it's from Akita, it must be an Akita breed
with a tail that curls tight.
Sorry to interrupt.
I'm against having a dog,
but Miss Chizuko loves them.
People who love animals are kind.
You hate dogs because
it's always your duty to clean the doghouse.
Miss Chizuko is so mean.
She was supposed to go to the station with me,
but suddenly, she changed her mind to go to a concert.
That fellow... her fiancé came.
Naturally. She'd prefer him to a dog.
Will you go to the station with me?
Go alone.
I'm afraid of dogs!
That face of yours would scare dogs more.
I'll bet you're afraid of dogs too.
Come off it. At least a dog is better than a cat.
Feed a dog for three days and it'll be loyal for life.
But you can feed a cat for three years
and it still won't care a whit.
Saikichi, let's go.
There's a box... where was it from?
Odate.
It's from Odate... a dog.
The dog?
Here you are.
Your seal, please.
I don't have it with me.
Look. This is for Ueno Hidejiro.
Don't you know Professor Ueno?
I do, but...
Well, you should. He's a famous agricultural engineer.
I'll get the seal, Kiku.
Never mind.
Recognize my face?
No.
What kind of clerk are you?
Kiku of Inarizaka is pretty well known in this area.
Remember that, blockhead.
- Now do you still need my seal? - Yes.
Your head's full of lead, like the railroad tracks.
Your thumbprint will do.
Why didn't you say so from the start?
It's dead.
Hey! The railway company will pay for this.
What's the matter?
The dog they sent from Akita is dead.
The railway company's to blame.
Is it really dead?
And I'm not taking a dead dog.
When live animals are transported,
the railway company is not responsible if it dies.
Welcome home.
What about the dog?
Saikichi went to pick it up.
Didn't Chizuko go?
She went to a concert with Mr. Moriyama.
Such a bad omen at the start of a new year.
Another dog's funeral.
Bound to happen, after riding a shaky train for two days.
Thanks, Kiku.
Hey Prof...
The pup's dead.
What's the matter, pup?
Get some milk.
Poor little thing.
I guess the journey was too long.
That's why I was against this.
It's dead, Prof...
It's alive!
It's drinking.
I'm home.
You're home?
Is the puppy here?
The puppy's here.
- You've been back? - I am back.
Is the puppy here?
Welcome home.
I'll go and see it.
Welcome.
You travelled so far.
Good boy.
Father...
You'll be responsible for the puppy.
It's not about the puppy.
What is it?
About Tsumoru...
I hear you went to a concert with him today.
He has something to discuss with you.
I know what he wants.
He wants me to get another friend into college,
but I don't believe in back door admissions.
It's not about that.
What then?
I'm free this coming Sunday.
It has to be tonight.
Tonight?
Yes, tonight.
All right.
Where is he?
Outside.
Outside?
He's waiting outside.
You let him wait outside? How rude.
Why didn't you tell us?
Shall I call him?
Of course!
Please.
Has he eaten?
He doesn't want any.
Why didn't you show him in?
It was very thoughtless of you.
Yes?
Yes.
Go on.
Yes.
I'm listening.
Well...
Yes?
Chizuko is with child,
and... I'm responsible.
Are you angry?
Well, after hearing whose child it is
my blood pressure has gone down.
And so...
I'd like to ask for her hand in marriage.
I see. Thank you.
Under the circumstances,
I think it's best to have the ceremony right away.
Have a nice day.
How's the dog?
You're looking healthy.
You don't have a name yet.
Father, please don't choose a name like Gonsuke again.
But you can't go nameless.
Let's see... your forelegs are firmly grounded,
just like the character "八" for number eight.
So we'll name you Hachi, as in "8".
Hachi.
Do you like it, Hachi?
Excuse me.
We just got an Akita dog. Will you take it in?
Not for me.
You're born in the year of the monkey?
No, the boar.
A former student now at the Akita prefectural office sent it to me.
My daughter wanted to keep it,
but she'll be getting married soon.
She is your only daughter, isn't she?
Yes.
I had hoped to adopt a son-in-law,
but her fiancé is also an only child,
so it won't work.
I see.
They're getting married in a bit of a hurry
on the 29th of this month.
Will you honour us by attending?
Certainly.
And you also.
Ueno Chizuko,
do you take this man
to be your lawfully wedded husband?
To have and to hold,
to love and to cherish,
to honour and obey,
in sickness and in health till death to you part?
I do.
Chizuko didn't even shed a tear.
I noticed your eyes were watery though.
When she said goodbye from the train window
the sadness suddenly hit me.
My little girl was being taken away...
Were they tears of bitterness then?
Tears of bitterness, joy, sadness... all at once.
I guess they've checked into the inn by now.
It was their honeymoon.
They could've gone farther than Atami.
Tsumoru wanted to save money.
He's very stingy for his age.
But to think she was pregnant...
She'd have gotten pregnant sooner or later.
It was just sooner.
I was quite shocked by the whole thing.
What amazed me was the way she said, "I'm not taking the dog."
so bluntly, right before Moriyama.
When she offered all her love to Moriyama
I couldn't help but stare at her.
He was quite speechless too, so I guess it worked.
Chizuko was only saying what was in her heart.
I wonder?
Of course.
What will you do about Hachi?
Chizuko asked me to take care of it.
I'm against it.
You're pretty adamant.
I'm not willing to share your love either.
Hachi.
Spin three times and bark.
Spin three times.
Spin and bark.
Dumb dog.
Ogata, don't tease the dog.
He's only a pup. He doesn't know any tricks yet.
Besides, I don't keep dogs so they can perform tricks.
Put yourself in the dog's place.
Hachi is hungry. Hurry and feed him.
- You've already eaten, haven't you? - Yes.
Have a nice trip.
Watch Hachi while I'm away.
How long will you be away?
They're cultivating the area now.
I want to check the progress so about four or five days.
Just as people have rights, dogs have rights too.
I'll respect Hachi's rights.
Even if we're going to give him away,
we must protect his rights while he's staying here.
Have some tea, sir.
Hachi!
No, Hachi!
Saikichi! Saikichi!
My poor flowers.
Hachi! Hachi, if you want your rights to be respected
you shouldn't be so naughty.
Babies have excess energy.
They can't sit still.
How old is the little one?
Three months.
Imagine becoming a father at his age.
I'm sorry.
How's Hachi?
He's doing well.
Hi, Hachi.
I hear you ruined your mistress's garden.
Welcome home.
I think Hachi has grown.
You've only been away five days.
I see signs of intelligence in those eyes of yours, Hachi.
Do you understand me?
What will you do about him?
It's better to give him away while he's small.
Well, Hachi?
Do you want to be our dog?
You want to stay?
All right. I won't send you anywhere.
Fine day, isn't it?
Such a cute dog.
Go on, Hachi.
Hachi!
Come here, Hachi.
Good day.
Isn't it hot?
He's growing so fast.
Have a nice day.
Thank you, Hachi.
Now go on home.
Hachi!
Welcome back!
Hachi.
I hope you didn't chew on grass.
Will you go to the station again this evening?
Gosh, it's so hot.
Dear, look.
Good boy.
Waited for me, did you?
That's some dog.
This is not good.
It doesn't look like it'll stop.
I wonder if the dog's here.
He's waiting for you.
Thank you.
Good, Hachi.
Thank you for coming, Hachi, even in this snow.
Happy new year, father.
Happy new year.
Same to you.
Hasn't he grown big?
Here's your grandfather.
Was it all right to bring him in this cold weather?
That's what I said.
Come inside, Chizuko.
Hasn't Hachi grown so big?
Catching fleas suits you, Father.
This is number 33.
Let me carry him.
Toru's gotten so heavy.
He doesn't talk yet.
Of course not. He's only three months old.
Has Professor been at it since morning?
It's like a research project with him.
That's how he is.
Once he gets started he can't stop.
I think Father loves Hachi more than his own grandson.
Don't be silly.
I heard Hachi accompanies him to the station daily.
Yes.
And goes back at sundown to meet him.
Hachi doesn't wear a watch, but he knows the time.
Go to sleep.
Sleep well.
Shall we play some cards?
Cards, huh?
Better still, run a bath for me.
How is the water?
Just fine, thank you.
He amazes me.
Does he bathe with Hachi all the time?
Always, after catching the fleas.
Better watch out, Mother,
or Hachi will take Father's love from you.
Excuse me.
You're good at it.
Won't you join us?
No, thank you.
Hachi might catch cold, so close the window.
Hachi!
You're soaking wet.
It's all right, now.
I didn't even notice a storm brewing.
Okay Hachi, wait here.
I'll warm you up in no time.
Just you wait.
Come over here, where it's warm.
Wait right here.
Dear...
Hachi, are you all right?
What is it?
Is that all you can say?
Do you prefer Hachi to me?
What did you say?
There's a limit to all this.
May 21st, 1925
What's the matter, Hachi?
Let's go.
Come on.
Good boy.
Now go on home.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Hachi, settle down!
Hachi!
You're barking so much.
What's the matter?
The second stage can be recognised
in the flooding that occurs every five or ten years.
This circumstance is unusual.
The third stage would be
the most critical range.
This is the so called "pro..."
"probable maximum".
This probable...
Professor!
Someone, quick!
It's too late.
Hachi!
With the professor gone, this house is too big for me.
So I'll be going to live with Chizuko.
Why don't they come to here to live?
Chizuko thinks this house is too dreary.
She is so strange.
She was born in this house, wasn't she?
I still sense my husband's presence in this house...
and sometimes, it gets unbearable.
I plan to sell this house.
You two have worked here for many years,
but I must let you go now.
It's not much, but I'll pay you half a year's salary,
so please start giving some thought to your future.
I'll go back home to Narashino.
And you, Saikichi?
I think I'll return to Shizuoka.
I'd like you to have a memento of the professor.
Is there anything you want in particular?
I'd like his hat.
The fedora?
No, the silk hat.
All right.
And you, Oyoshi?
I'd like a pair of his shoes.
For your father?
No...
If I ever marry and have a son
I'll let him wear it
and tell him that it belonged to the good professor.
When he went on his walks, I loved to watch his back.
Hachi...
Good bye, Hachi.
Please take care of yourself, milady.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
Take care.
Missus!
Are you taking Hachi?
Chizuko says that seeing Hachi will only remind her of her father.
I have an uncle in Asakusa.
I thought I'd ask him to take Hachi in.
I see... Maybe that's for the best.
- Hello. - Hello.
I took a day off from the office to help with the moving.
So did I. Let's do it then.
What shall we do with Father's books?
I'll have no use for books on agriculture and cultivation.
Take it to the used books shop.
Anyway, come in.
I was in a dilemma about where to start.
Just get rid of anything old.
I'll clean out his study.
Kiku, can you help upstairs?
We've got a lot of young helpers,
all strong and spirited,
so we've got our hands full without any pets.
But just leave him. I'll do what I can.
Thank you.
He eats anything people eat.
One can never tell what the future holds.
The professor was the picture of health, yet...
Well then...
Hachi...
Be good now.
Goodbye.
He knows.
I wonder how Hachi is doing?
You're such a worrywart.
I'm home.
- Welcome home. - Welcome home.
Didn't you eat yet?
Mother scolded me that I should wait for my husband.
The foreign office keeps unusual hours,
so next time, please don't wait for me.
How about a bath?
I want dinner first.
Your grandmother's here to stay, Toru.
How was Hachi?
I left him with my uncle in Asakusa.
Dinner's ready, so please wash up.
Excuse me.
How old is this house?
About 20 years.
It belonged to a college professor, you said?
Yes, an agriculture professor at Imperial University.
He was world famous.
It's so nice and bright with all the windows.
It's sturdy for an old house.
And the price is right, don't you think?
The missus is a kind lady.
Will she lower the price any more?
Hachi! What's the idea?
I thought you were in Asakusa.
Are you all right?
I hate dogs.
It belonged to the late professor. His name's Hachi.
If this dog's going to come around, I won't buy this house.
Don't worry.
This dog stays with a relative in Asakusa.
You mean he walked from Asakusa to Shibuya?
I guess so. He wouldn't ride a train.
Don't worry about this dog.
Just think about the house.
If it's right, please buy it.
Remember though, get rid of the dog.
That dog has no personality,
never reacts to a thing I say.
He just turns around and starts to whine.
He bites off the chain and runs away.
Well, leave him here again.
But if he runs away, that's it.
Put that down next to the desk.
And don't scratch it!
Hachi!
Hachi, you can't stay here!
That felt good.
I chopped up the doghouse for firewood.
Such a fine day, perfect for moving.
Hachi!
Wait!
Hachi, I want you to listen well.
Your master is dead.
This house was sold to someone else.
The new owner can't stand dogs.
It's dangerous to wander about here.
He'll chop your head off with his hatchet.
Hachi...
Come to my house then.
I don't care for dogs myself,
but we've known each other a long time.
Let's go, Hachi.
London, England?
Yes, as a first secretary,
he'll attend to the new ambassador.
Are you going too?
I'll be returning to my hometown in Wakayama.
The professor's old home?
No... he had no other relatives.
But my mother still lives.
I remember... somewhere near the beach, was it?
Yes, a whaling town.
Gee, I'd love to see a live whale spouting water.
About Hachi...
Are you taking him?
Can you take him in?
But we have a cat...
We'll take care of him.
What? You said you didn't want a dog.
But Missus can't take Hachi.
Why not?
Hachi was bred in Akita.
I know that. So what?
Akita is a cold place.
Wakayama is down south, where they catch whales.
A dog from Akita couldn't adjust to the warm weather.
I never met a woman who could talk more...
Kiku, please take care of Hachi.
I'd be so relieved if you'd agree.
All right, I will.
It's my way of repaying the late professor.
All right.
Hachi's gone.
Where'd he go?
Around this time, he's always at the train station...
waiting by the exit.
Hachi!
I'll get your ticket, Ma'am.
Hachi,
your master's not coming back any more.
I'm going back to Wakayama.
I've asked Kiku to take care of you.
Goodbye, Hachi.
All right, let's go.
Hachi...
I never thought you'd agree to take Hachi. You hate dogs.
You're such a fool.
She has her mother to take care of back home.
She couldn't take this big thing with her.
That's true.
Can't you understand simple human kindness?
Is that so? Well, don't brag so much.
You're getting senile lately.
Fool. How dare you say that to me?
What "fool"?
You called me...
A "fool" first...
Dear, what's wrong?
Dear!
Sorry, Hachi,
but I can't take you back with me.
I have to take Sanae here.
I've cancelled the lease for the house too.
You can't stay here.
Hachi...
You're strong, so don't lose to those stray dogs.
You can be the leader of a pack.
Hachi...
Stray dogs run free,
so be free and live proud.
Goodbye.
Take care.
He must be waiting for his master.
He doesn't realize that his master's dead.
What an admirable dog.
He comes every day at the same time.
Such a dumb dog!
You must be hungry.
Come... I'll give you something.
What's the matter, Hachi?
Shiro died, you know.
Poor thing. He's so skinny.
It's been a year now.
Waiting for a master who won't return...
Watching him is painful.
Why wait for someone who won't come?
But Hachi wants to wait.
I know that.
December, 1928
There he is again.
So? Let him wait.
But it's useless.
It's all right.
Hachi doesn't care.
Hachi...
Enough already. He's not coming back.
It's raining.
Come here and have a bite.
I'm a reporter with Asahi Shimbun.
Man's Best Friend
Dog waits loyally for a master who won't return.
Hachi!
Hachi.
I rushed over when I read the newspaper.
You've been waiting for your master every day?
Look how dirty you are.
How you must've suffered.
You're the missus?
This dog comes every day in the evening.
My husband really loved him...
It hurts to see him like this.
I'm sorry, but we don't have a place for dogs.
Any corner will do.
Isn't this the dog that was in the papers?
Yes, indeed it is.
So this is the loyal dog, Hachi?
And you are?
I knew the late owner, Professor Ueno.
Well then, I'll let this loyal dog stay the night.
I hope he doesn't bite though.
No, he won't.
I'm so glad.
Hachi.
Hachi?
He was here a while ago.
Hachi?
Hachi has disappeared from the inn.
It's been three days now.
I guess he thought I'd give him away again.
Hachi wants to stay here,
free and unchained.
I can feel his eyes on me.
I must be going.
If Hachi comes, please feed him.
- We can't accept this. - Please take this.
All right then.
Bad dog, coming here again.
Take that!
Go on! Scat!
Two Japanese army is still fighting. Our team is entering the city.
- It is really exiting. - I don't want to see this.
Hachi.
You poor thing.
Is this the mutt the paper wrote about?
He's got a name... It's Hachi.
Well, he's not waiting for his master.
He's just a freeloader waiting for food.
These foul pests should be put to sleep.
Say mister, you're the one with a foul heart.
How dare you face a customer and say that.
You're no customer of mine.
Enough!
Take your money.
Keep it!
Hachi.
Eat.
Eat all you want.
Eat up.
Are you okay?
Poor thing.
May, 1934
Hachi!
March 8th, 1935
Tatsuya Nakadai
Kaoru Yachigusa
Toshio Yanagiba
Toshinori Omi
Mako Ishino
Masumi Harukawa
Kei Yamamoto
Shingo Yamashiro
Norihei Miki
Kin Sugai
Tokiko Kato
Hiroyuki Nagato
Takahiro Tamura
Executive Producer
Kazuyoshi Okuyama
Producers:
Hisao Nabeshima
Jun-Ichi Shindo
Original Story Screenplay: Kaneto Shindo
Music: Tetsuju Hayashi
A Production of Shochiku-Fuji Co. Ltd.
Director: Seijiro Koyama