Every year on April 8th, Tokyo’s most devout dog lovers unite around an eight-foot bronze canine that sits by the Shibuya train station. It’s a monument erected in honor of an Akita named Hachiko, who every afternoon faithfully awaited the return of his master, a Tokyo University professor, at the train station. Even after the professor had a stroke and died in the classroom, Hachiko patiently waited for him, until his own death nine years later. The statue, erected in 1934 to pay tribute to the dog’s devotion, is now one of the neighborhood’s most popular spots.

Brad Digital, a NYC-based conceptual artist and urban toy designer (BPM, the nine-inch homie with turntables, is his creation), found himself there two years ago; and was so moved by the story of Hachiko, he decided to pay his own kind of homage: create a vinyl toy in his likeness. “Little Brooklyn” is a two-foot-high, growling variation. “He’s more raw,” explains the artist. “More New York.”

Then, with the help of production team Black & White, 50 artists from around the world -- including the boys of Heatherette and Tsubi -- were enlisted to give the dog their own flavor. The result has turned into a traveling exhibit, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club. It debuted in New York during last fall’s Fashion Week, hit Miami two weeks ago during The Winter Music Conference, and is headed soon for Paris, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

“It’s all about keeping alive the spirit of Hachiko, and his sense of devotion,” explains Brad Digital, pointing out that, after all, it is the Year of the Dog.

See It:
For more on the Little Brooklyn Fashion Charity exhibit, info@blackandwhitefashion.net

Get It:
BPM, $65, at kidrobot.com

Give to It:
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, bgca.org