In the spring of 1914, a small mixed-breed puppy was found whimpering among the charred remains of a fire in Otaru, Hokkaido. A compassionate firefighter scooped him up and brought him back to the city’s fire station. That little survivor would soon become known to all as Bunkō.
At the station, Bunkō was more than a mascot, he became family. He followed the firefighters on every dispatch, leaping onto the sidestep of their Chevrolet fire truck and riding with steady balance, no matter how urgent the call. At fire scenes, Bunkō proved himself a true comrade. He carried hoses in his mouth, untangled snarls in the middle of operations, and even patrolled the crowds, barking to keep curious onlookers out of harm’s way.
He also developed a flair for discipline. Without any formal training, Bunkō began to mimic the crew during their morning roll call, barking when his number was called, standing at attention, and even raising a paw in salute on command. He could tell the fire bell apart from other alarms, too, and would howl to signal that it was time to go.
Over his lifetime, Bunkō accompanied the Otaru Fire Department on more than 1,000 dispatches. His loyalty and courage made him a local and national hero, often called “Otaru’s Hachikō.” Even in old age, when his legs grew weak, he tried to climb onto the fire truck at the sound of alarms, moving his fellow firefighters to tears with his determination.
On February 3, 1938, Bunkō passed away at the remarkable age of 24. The city mourned him deeply. A full firefighter’s funeral was held, newspapers published obituaries, and townspeople left offerings of his favorite treat– caramel sweets.
Bunkō’s legacy was carefully preserved. He was taxidermied and displayed for decades at fire stations and museums. In 2006, a bronze statue was unveiled in front of Otaru’s Canal Plaza, capturing him mid-ride on the fire truck, just as he had been in life.
Even today, visitors honor him. Children pose with the statue, while locals leave hand-knitted scarves, winter hats, and caramels in tribute. His story has inspired picture books, mascots, and posthumous awards, reminding new generations of the extraordinary dog who served not just his station, but his entire city.
Bunkō was more than a firehouse companion but a symbol of courage, devotion, and the unshakable bond between people and animals.