The greatest difference between the real story and the Hollywood production is that the actual story takes place in Tokyo, while the movie is set in the United States. Another variation in the script is the cause of the death of one of the lead characters. Professor Hidesaburo Ueno passed away after a cerebral hemorrhage, but in the film, Professor Parker Wilson dies from a heart attack. Finally, Hachiko, the undisputed protagonist of the story, is found at a train station in the movie, while the real Hachiko was bought at a pet store.