I may have watched the movie 2009 movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” with Richard Gere a few times while painting this.
“Loyalty of Hachiko” Acrylic on Canvas, 24 X 36
Hachikō was a loyal Akita dog in Japan who became famous for waiting at Shibuya Station every day for his owner, even after his owner passed away in 1925, symbolizing unwavering loyalty.
Hachikō would accompany Professor Ueno to Shibuya Station every day and continue to wait there for his return.
The professor’s gardener and local people at the Shibuya station cared for the dog.
Hachikō continued to wait at the station for over nine years until he passed in 1935 where he was found on a street near Shibuya Station.
Even just reading those facts about this amazingly loyal dog tugs at my heartstrings.
I used a combination of grays that reflect the original photos that were only in black in white. However, I painted him in color to give him life again.
One of the original photos I used as a reference for the Hachi painting.
Using flower leis that I purchased at a local flower shop, I used my own dogs as a model to see how the flowers should be placed around Hachi’s neck. I did have a bit of fun with this part of research.
Ranger models a lei I purchased from a local flower shop. I requested to have it sized to fit a dog - an unusual request but they honored it.
Sadie was a bit less enthused with the process.
Since a flower lei can be a gesture of respect or admiration for someone, I thought it was appropriate to adorn one on Hachi in this piece.
This is also one of my largest paintings at 2 feet in width by 3 feet high. The magnitude and impact of this story of this dog required a larger canvas.
Hachi is an incredible example of one dog’s loyalty. Isn’t that why we love and adore them so much?
“Loyalty of Hachiko” is available for sale at the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Seattle Center from April 11 - April 13. You may also reach out to me personally to purchase at jodiesarahartist@gmail.com.
You can see more of the story about this painting from my interview on Seattle Refined which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhh1-KtVXic
The 50th Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival will be held Friday April 11, 2025 - Sunday April 13, 2025. More information can be found at cherryblossomfest.org.