Photo/Illutration Singer and actor Jun Inoue, right, celebrates the first run of a special train honoring the beloved dog Hachiko at JR Shibuya Station in Tokyo on Sept. 20. (Takuya Miyano)

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of a beloved loyal dog, a special train was launched on the JR Yamanote Line on Sept. 20 that features headboards bearing the name of Hachiko.

Singer and actor Jun Inoue joined railway staff to mark the first run of the special train that day at JR Shibuya Station in Tokyo.

“I hope that many people who go through Shibuya Station make ‘hachiawase’ (encounters) and create wonderful memories,” said Inoue, who grew up in Shibuya and is now an honorary citizen of the ward.

The popular story of Hachiko, the faithful dog that waited for his master’s return at Shibuya Station every day for years after his death, has been made into movies and TV dramas.

An iconic statue of the Akita Inu dog in front of the station is a popular meeting place in the bustling neighborhood.

The train, which bears two differently designed headboards at each end, will operate until March 31 next year.

The operation of the special train was organized by East Japan Railway Co., local authorities of Shibuya and the municipality of Odate, Akita Prefecture, where Hachiko was born. 

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