What is "hachiko"

was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan. He is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for more than nine years after his owner's death. Hachikō is known in Japanese as chūken Hachikō (忠犬ハチ公, "faithful dog Hachikō") — hachi meaning eight, and a suffix kō meaning affection. During his lifetime the dog was held up in Japanese culture as an example of loyalty and fidelity. After Hachiko's death he continues to be remembered in worldwide popular culture with statues, movies, books, and appearances in various media.