Hachi is a flower-loving Shiba Inu who lives in Tsukuba, Japan with his owner Masayo Ishizuki. Ishizuki is a Japanese photographer who fell in love with Hachi and adopted him in January of 2017.
She quickly learned that Hachi was at his cutest (and happiest) when posing in a field of flowers. As of May 2019, Ishizuki has 21K Instagram followers, so it looks like Ishizuki isn’t the only one who loves Hachi!
All Smiles In Ami, Ibaraki
Hachi is all smiles while posing in these flowers on Hachiko Day in Ami, Ibaraki! Hachiko Day is a Japanese day designated for celebrating the relationship between humans and canines.
Hachiko Day is based on the story of a Japanese Akita named Hachiko who greeted his owner at the Shibuya Station in Tokyo every day from 1924 to May 1925. After his owner passed away, every day for nine years, nine months and fifteen days following, Hachiko would return to the station at the precise time his owner used to arrive. Much like Akitas, Shibas are known for their extreme loyalty to their humans.
Soaking Up The Sun At Mashiko Sunflower Festival
The Mashiko Sunflower Festival is a free festival held from August 11th - 20th that draws visitors from all over the world to see the sunflowers in bloom. The massive sunflower fields cover nearly 25 acres every year in Mashiko. In 2018, Hachi and Ishizuki were a part of those visitors, making the hour-long journey from Tsukuba to Mashiko so Hachi could frolic in the millions of sunflowers.
Sunflowers in Japan are meant to symbolize hope and a bright future. After a nuclear hit in Fukushima in 2011, millions of sunflowers were planted in radioactive areas to soak up toxins from the soil and restore the land.
Up High In The Hydrangeas Of Mount Tsukuba
Standing at a height of 2,877 feet, it’s a bit of a hike to the top but it’s well worth it to see all the flowers - just look at happy Hachi in the hydrangeas. The higher the elevation, the better the flora. You’ll find dog-tooth violets, bush clover, and rhododendrons, just to name a few.
If you’re ever on Mount Tsukuba and you see Hachi, don’t be afraid to say hi! Shiba Inus are a high energy, friendly breed. Shibas are also known for being excellent companion dogs because of their personalities and are rated by the American Kennel Club as the number one companion dog in Japan.
Finding Peace Among The Cherry Trees At Amabiki Kannon Temple
Amabiki Kannon Temple is one of Hachi and Ishizuki's favorite peaceful photo locations. The Amabiki Kannon Temple (also known as the Rakuhoji Temple) is named after the goddess of mercy Amabiki Kannon, who was associated with bringing ample rain for the crops.
The temple is surrounded by Japanese cherry trees that Hachi loves to pose with. The trees have a very subtle scent which is why you have to get up close to them to get a good whiff, as demonstrated by Hachi.
A Sea Of Blue At Hitachi Seaside Park
Hachi is pictured here in one of his favorite locations: Hitachi Seaside Park. Hitachi Seaside is famous for its blue nemophila flower, which blooms on Miharashi Hill (pictured here) within the park. It’s estimated that about 4.5 million nemophila bloom at this park every spring.
The park is home to a variety of flowers, and Ishizuki has taken pictures of Hachi all throughout. Daffodils, tulips, poppies, roses, you name it. Hachi doesn’t discriminate, he loves all flowers!
