Richard Gere, reflecting on his starring role in “Hachi: A Dog’s Story,” offers a profound perspective on the film’s enduring message. This American adaptation of the 1987 Japanese film “Hachiko Monogatari” tells the poignant tale of an Akita dog’s unwavering devotion, waiting for its deceased master at a train station for a decade. Gere, visiting Japan for his eighth time, shared that the narrative transcends mere loyalty. “It is a connection between two beings,” he stated. “There is no subservience, no master and no dog; rather, they are soul friends.”
Hachiko’s story has become a significant part of Japanese folklore. The loyal Akita would greet its owner, a professor at the University of Tokyo, at Shibuya train station daily. Even after the professor’s death, Hachiko continued this vigil for ten years until its own passing in 1935. In tribute to this remarkable dog, a statue was erected outside Shibuya station in 1934, later replaced by a bronze replica in 1948, and it remains a popular meeting point in Tokyo today.
Gere described his first visit to the Hachiko statue as an deeply emotional experience, amplified by the sculptor’s presence. He recounted his initial reaction to the script three years prior: “I started crying. I read it once more and cried again, so I knew it was something I should take seriously.” The filmmaking approach aimed for simplicity and honesty, striving for respect towards the original narrative, which Gere likened to a fable. The original Japanese film, “Hachiko Monogatari,” achieved considerable success, earning over 4 billion yen in Japan. The new version, titled “Hachi, Yakusoku no Inu” in Japan, shifts the setting to Rhode Island and is directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Gere portrays the professor, with Joan Allen as his wife.
The true stars of the film, according to Gere, were the three Akita dogs who played Hachiko. He humorously noted the breed’s challenging temperament: “Akitas are extremely difficult to train. Food and affection won’t work with them.” He praised the efforts of the top trainers involved, suggesting they earned more than he did. Building trust with the dogs was a gradual process, requiring patience and a non-intrusive approach. “For my first meeting with the dogs, I was told not to even look at them or do anything to try and get them to like me. It took three days before I gained their trust.”
As both an actor and producer, Gere and Hallstrom opted for digital filmmaking to better capture the nuances of the interactions between Gere and the dogs. This allowed for longer, more organic 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. I was definitely second-class on this film,” Gere admitted.
Gere, known for his humanitarian work, maintained a different media presence during this visit, focusing less on advocacy and more on fostering a relaxed atmosphere. He observed a difference in reporter interaction compared to the U.S. and Europe, noting, “But whenever I am in Japan and try to crack jokes, everyone acts like it would be impolite to laugh.” His attempts to engage more casually with photographers were met with professional reserve, capturing his image rather than participating in informal interaction.
“Hachi: A Dog’s Story” premiered in Japan on August 8th. The film’s exploration of the profound bond between humans and animals continues to resonate, inviting audiences to consider the depth of loyalty and companionship. The enduring tale of Hachiko serves as a powerful reminder of the unique connections we can forge with our animal friends, a theme Richard Gere found deeply compelling.
© Japan Today
