Character Relationship Map: Hachiko

Characters

• Chen Jingxiu (played by Feng Xiaogang) — protagonist

  A professor and the emotional center of the story. He worries about his son moving far from home, cares for the adopted stray dog, and continues leaving home for research trips. The dog becomes deeply...

• Li Jiazhen (played by Joan Chen) — supporting

  A family member who helps care for the adopted stray dog. She complains about the extra cooking and responsibility but accepts the animal as part of the household. During the relocation, she reassures...

• Chen Xinqiao (played by Bai Jugang) — supporting

  A son who spends much of his time indoors working on computers. He receives opportunities connected with a website project in Beijing, creating uncertainty about leaving home. He also prepares special...

• Chen Xinqiao' Wife (played by Zhong Ailin) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Chen Xinqiao' Wife → Chen Xinqiao (wife)
• Chen Jingxiu → Li Jiazhen (Family Partner) — They function as the two adult decision-makers in the family.

  Chen Jingxiu and Li Jiazhen share a household, make decisions about the family, and deal together with the animal and the relocation.

• Li Jiazhen → Chen Xinqiao (Family Mother) — Li Jiazhen is Chen Xinqiao's mother and part of the family affected by his possible departure.

  The opening describes Chen Xinqiao revisiting Chongqing with his mother, and the family scenes place Li Jiazhen in the household caring for him.

• Chen Jingxiu → Chen Xinqiao (Family Father) — Chen Jingxiu is concerned about his son's future and possible move to Beijing.

  The plot identifies Chen Xinqiao as Chen Jingxiu's son and shows Chen Xinqiao living at home with his parents.

Story Analysis

A family memory of changing Chongqing is shaped by distance, relocation, and a dog's unwavering devotion to Chen Jingxiu.

Plot Progression

1. Memories Along the River — Chen Xinqiao and Li Jiazhen return to Chongqing and revisit places associated with Chen Jingxiu. Their journey leads into memories of the family fifteen years earlier.
2. A Family Facing Distance — Chen Xinqiao works indoors and receives an opportunity connected with Beijing. The possibility of leaving home creates uncertainty for the family, especially for Chen Jingxiu.
3. The Dog Becomes Family — A stray dog enters the household and gradually bonds with Chen Jingxiu. Caretaking, adoption discussions, and domestic disagreements make the animal part of the family's daily life.
4. The Farewell That Was Followed — Chen Jingxiu continues taking research trips and tells the dog to stay home before one departure. The dog nevertheless reaches the station and waits after he leaves.
5. A City Moves Uphill — Chongqing's redevelopment forces communities to relocate. Li Jiazhen arranges a larger rented home, while the family's memories remain emotionally centered on the dog's devotion.