Richard Gere, a seasoned actor known for his diverse roles, recently shared his reflections on “Hachi: A Dog’s Story,” an American adaptation of the poignant 1987 Japanese film “Hachiko Monogatari.” This touching narrative centers on an Akita dog’s unwavering devotion, waiting faithfully at a train station for its deceased master. Gere, on his eighth visit to Japan, expressed that the story transcends mere canine loyalty, delving into a profound connection between two souls, devoid of hierarchy, where they exist as “soul friends.”
The actor, who has been a familiar face in Japan since filming “American Gigolo” in 1980, admitted he wasn’t deeply familiar with the legend of Hachiko, a figure now woven into Japanese folklore. The tale recounts how Hachiko, an Akita, would daily await its owner, a professor at the University of Tokyo, at Shibuya train station. Even after the professor’s untimely death, Hachiko continued its vigil for a decade, until its own passing in 1935. In remembrance, a statue was erected outside Shibuya station in 1934, later replaced by a bronze replica in 1948 after being melted down during wartime. This memorial site remains a popular rendezvous point in Tokyo.
Gere described his first encounter with the Hachiko statue as deeply moving, particularly due to the sculptor’s presence. “When I first read the script about three years ago, I started crying,” he confessed. “I read it once more and cried again, so I knew it was something I should take seriously.” The filmmakers aimed for a simple and honest portrayal, ensuring their rendition was respectful of the original narrative, likening it to a “fable.”
The original Japanese film, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, achieved considerable success in Japan. The new version, titled “Hachi, Yakusoku no Inu” in Japan, shifts the setting to Rhode Island and is directed by Lasse Hallstrom, renowned for films like “The Hoax” and “Chocolat.” Gere takes on the role of the professor, with Joan Allen portraying his wife.
The true stars of the film, according to Gere, were the three Akita dogs who embodied Hachiko. He humorously noted the breed’s challenging nature, stating, “Akitas are extremely difficult to train. Food and affection won’t work with them.” He praised the top trainers in America, suggesting they likely earned more than he did. Gere recounted that his initial interactions with the dogs required him to maintain a distance, without direct eye contact or attempts to solicit affection. It took three days to earn their trust.
Gere, who also served as a producer, and director Lasse Hallstrom opted for digital filming to capture the nuanced interactions between the actors and the dogs seamlessly, avoiding the need for numerous short takes. “Sometimes, we would shoot up to 10 hours a day, focusing on the dogs, and then I’d just get 10 minutes for my part,” Gere revealed. “I was definitely second-class on this film.”
Known for his humanitarian work on various causes, including Tibet and AIDS awareness, Gere intentionally avoided using media appearances to promote specific agendas, a departure from his past practice. Instead, he focused on fostering a more relaxed atmosphere with the press. “In the U.S. and Europe, there is more interaction with reporters,” he observed. “But whenever I am in Japan and try to crack jokes, everyone acts like it would be impolite to laugh.” His attempts to engage with photographers were met with a similar reserve, with them preferring to capture his image rather than engage in conversation. “OK, forget about it,” Gere conceded with a smile. “I’m outta here. See ya.”
“Hachi: A Dog’s Story” is scheduled for release in Japan on August 8th.
