A Modern-Day 'Hero and Leander' on Paws

April 9, 2001 Aka Island, Japan

Perhaps the most touching story in all of Greek mythology is that of Hero and Leander, two star-crossed youths who lived on opposite banks of the Hellespont (the strait that separates Europe and Asia).

According to myth, young Leander fell so deeply in love with the maiden Hero, that he would swim across the Hellespont each night (a distance of 3.2km at its narrowest point) just to enjoy the company of his mistress.

The myth ends rather tragically, when a tempest arises one night, proving to be too great a strain for Leander.  He drowns, and after the waves carry his body to the European shore, Hero, in her despair, casts herself into the sea, perhaps hoping to be reunited with her lover in some shadowy world.

In 1986, a mongrel named Shiro accompanied his master Toshikazu Nakamura across the Kerama Islands strait.  There, in a place called Zamami, Shiro the dog met and instantly fell in love with Marilyn the dog.

After that, the locals frequently sighted Shiro dog-paddling across the (3km) strait.  This feat was so amazing that it gained a national reputation; even a movie, Marilyn ni Aitai (I want to see Marilyn), was made, featuring Shiro.

Marilyn died in August 1987, bringing an end to Shiro's seafaring days, and last November, he himself died at the advanced age of 17.

The people of Aka Island have been raising money in order to construct a monument honoring the two; on Nishihama beach (Shiro's point of departure), they will build a statue of Shiro at the edge of the coast, facing Zamami Island.

Meanwhile, the people of Zamami are constructing a monument of Marilyn on their bank, facing Shiro.  They expect both statues to be finished by the first anniversary of Shiro's death.

Monument or no monument, here's hoping that the two are finally reunited in some shadowy world.

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