Martial Arts Inspired Dog Names

There are many elements of practice, mindfulness and theory that translate almost flawlessly between different disciplines of martial arts. Nearly all stress possessing ultimate control of the mind and body, and with it, promote an unwavering dedication. So while our chosen featured dog may not have practiced martial arts, he is timelessly honored for his dedication to his master and furthermore, also has a counting name often used in the Japanese disciplines: Hachiko, hachi meaning “eight” as he was eighth in the litter and -ko meaning affection. 

The golden brown colored Akita Inu was one of a large litter born on a farm in the Japanese countryside in November of 1923. An agriculture professor from Tokyo Imperial University named Hidesaburo Ueno found and took Hachiko home as a pet just a few months later and brought him back home to live in Shibuya, Tokyo, the massive city’s business and commercial district. Largely because of the city’s layout and sprawling public transit system, Ueno would commute to work daily and when he returned, Hachiko quickly learned where and when to meet his master after he departed from the train. After being developed, this habit remained routine for Hachiko for over a year until one day, his master did not return. 

Unfortunately, Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in the midst of a lecture and passed away, leaving Hachiko waiting for him at the train station. Unaware that his master was not to return, the faithful dog waited at his usual spot for nine years, nine months and fifteen days. 

While Hachiko’s daily appearances near the station weren’t always met with friendly reception, especially from the station’s employees, many of the passengers recognized him from his walks with Ueno previously, including a student of his, who eventually followed the dog to the home of Ueno’s former gardener, who enlightened him on the dog’s behavior and story. In turn, the student wrote several stories about Hachiko, one of then eventually gaining ground and rocketing the dog to national stardom. 

From that point on, many visitors came to see Hachiko, offering him attention and food while he sat determined to wait for his master to return. Three years later, at the age of 11, he passed away of terminal cancer but his legacy and lore had already been cemented in the culture. He was honored with numerous bronze statues throughout Japan and annually, on March 8, hundreds of dog lovers flood to Shibuya Station to celebrate his life, love and devotion.