Yep, in my opinion, much better.
Suppossedly, they're making an American remake of Battle Royal too. Which is likely to bomb royally, given that the success and entire theme of the story is wrapped around Japanese societal extremes. And that the characters are all uniform with the exception of their true natures. Something I have very little faith that a US movie could pull off. Because its not just the story, its how everything is presented. Just like with The Uninvited and Tale of two sisters. What made Tale of Two Sisters phenominal was how it was presented, the selection and portrayal of the characters, the cinematography and feel of the movie, ect. Most of which recieved no consideration or effort what so ever on the American end.
For those wanting to see Hachi, who havent seen the Japanese ones yet, I recommend you at least see both, and if not... Perhaps see the Japanese one instead. It is, after all, a Japanese true story of great importance and pride to Japan. And I doubt the US cinema will do it much more justice.
A fanvideo movie preview of Hachiko Monogatari:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3s11acb7Z8
And related Trivia on Akitas:
Did you know that the Japanese considered Masked Akitas, well known to the AKC standard, to be a sign of mix-breeding by some? Its undesirable in Japanese Akitas (and a disqualifier) and as a result American lines are considered an entirely seperate breed from the native Akita Inu of Japan.
The AKC allows all colors and markings, the Japanese allow only 5 colors. American Akitas have chow-like heads, where as Japanese Akita inu are bred to be more fox-like, just as the Shiba inu is.
Like the Jindo of Korea, the Akita Inu is officially a National Monument of Japan.