Tag Archives: Tokyo

Shibuya holds a memorial service commemorating the 89th Anniversary since the faithful dog Hachiko’s passing

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Hachiko statue in Shibuya | Photo: FirePress Japan


Under cherry blossoms in full bloom, a group of roughly 80 people, both Japanese and foreign alike, gathered to celebrate the 89th Anniversary since the faithful dog Hachiko’s passing.

The story of Hachiko, a Shiba-ken bread of dog who patiently waited near Shibuya Station for the return of his deceased owner, gained considerable fame, both domestically and internationally. The 2009 feature film HACHI: A Dog’s Tale, staring Richard Gere, also aided the world-wide notability of the beloved dog.

Hachiko statue in Shibuya | Photo: FirePress Japan

The ceremony is typically held closer to the known date of Hachiko’s passing, March 8, but was pushed until early April to coincide with the warmer sakura cherry blossom season.

Roughly 80 attendees were present at the memorial service, among them were the family of the statue’s sculptor, Tsukasa Ando, Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe, and the mayor of Hachi’s hometown of Odate, Akita Prefecture.

Also in attendance was Junko Tsukasa, Ando’s eldest daughter, expressed, “I’m grateful we could hold the service amidst the falling cherry blossom petals. I wish for the Hachiko statue to endure as a symbol of peace into the future.”

▶︎ Where to Find the Statue

  • Take the Hachiko Exit at the JR Shibuya Station and walk straight and slightly to the right. The statue is not difficult to find. Please use the map below to help you find it!
Click the above image to view a larger map.

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The new modern urban village Azabudai Hills opens today

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The redeveloped Azabudai Hills in the Toranomon district of Tokyo, not far from Tokyo Tower and home to Japan’s tallest tower at 330 meters, opened to the public today.

A modern urban village brimming with nature

Imagine a neighborhood that, like a public square, brings people together every day, while also looking after their well-being by filling the streets with lush nature and intertwining wellness into every activity. This is the concept behind Azabudai Hills, a multi-use complex designed to enrich lives through a “Green & Wellness” concept. People are the lifeblood of a city—and that is why we chose a people-centered design.

Azabudai Hills

Azabudai Hills embodies the essence of “future Hills” with its impressive scale and impact, presenting a contemporary urban village enveloped by lush greenery that fosters community connections. Centrally located, this project seamlessly integrates diverse urban functions, including offices, residences, hotels, international schools, commercial spaces, and cultural facilities. It epitomizes the evolved version of the Hills concept, encompassing the cumulative expertise garnered throughout the years.

Starting out as an urban regeneration endeavor three decades ago, the project launched in August 2019 is has now opened to the public. Hills rededicated their commitment to co-cultivate the urban expanse with inhabitants, fostering a collaborative approach to urban development that enhances Tokyo’s allure and magnetism.

And here’s an amazing view of the city from the top of the building:

Click to enlarge map.
Click to enlarge map.

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Amazing creatures found in Japan: The hummingbird hawk-moth

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Gorgeous shot of a hummingbird hawk-moth | Photo by Shawn Miller

I was just strolling down the road earlier this afternoon and something zooming here and there caught my attention. At first I thought it was the tiniest ever hummingbird, but once I was able to Google it, I discovered that it wasn’t a hummingbird at all, but rather a moth. I attempted to take a photo of it, but it was too fast for my camera to get a clear shot of it. I also took a short video and that’s where the following image comes from.

Blurry sighting of a hummingbird hawk-moth in Tokyo
Photo by Blaze ‘n’ Rekka

According to Wikipedia, these insects disguised as hummingbirds can be found across a large swath of Eurasia including Japan.

Gorgeous shot of a hummingbird hawk-moth | Photo by Shawn Miller

No matter how long you’ve been in any given place on this planet, there’s always something new to discover. Keep your eyes peeled! You never know what you may find!