I think we can all agree that rabbits are already pretty adorable, right? And they’re much beloved in Japan, where they’ve got their own cafes and even an island.
But still, bunnies’ popularity regularly lags behind that of cats and dogs, so we could understand if they felt the need to step up their cuteness game. As a matter of fact, right now one breed of Japanese rabbit is winning new fans by appearing to cosplay…as another rabit?!?
Visitors to the Morioka Animal Park, a zoo in Iwate Prefecture, have been charmed this month by this resident of the facility.
盛岡は朝晩かなり冷え込むようになり、日に日に近づく冬を実感。そんな中、トウホクノウサギの毛が少しずつ白くなり始めました。なんだか耳付きのカチューシャをつけているように見えます。可愛いですね。見に来てください。 pic.twitter.com/E0K6nmaAiM
— 盛岡市動物公園 ZOOMO (@moriokazoo) October 20, 2015
Drawing the eye to your best features is a fashion fundamental, but seriously buddy, everyone is already looking at your ears because you’re a rabbit. What, are you worried that the elephants are creeping up on your title of “Best Ears in the Animal Kingdom?”
It turns out, though, that what’s going on is the exact opposite of an attention ploy. This breed of rabbit is called a Tohoku hare, named for Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, where Morioka is located.
Having passed the midpoint of autumn, Japan’s Tohoku hares are getting ready for winter. Like the North American snowshoe hare, though, Tohoku hares don’t hibernate, so they need to be camouflaged as they traverse the snowy winter landscape. But just like you don’t take all of your sweaters out of storage on the first day in October that you feel a chill in the air, the Tohoku hare gradually sheds its brown summer coat, in place of which a white one grows.
Morioka Animal Park’s Tohoku hare just happens to have shed around his ears first, resulting in a remarkably distinct two-tone look. Similar things sometimes happen at other zoos in Japan with the breed, such as Yokohama’s Zoorasia.
Give them a few more weeks, and they’ll compete the process, turning entirely white in December.
Given Japan’s love of cute animals and special seasonal versions of things, we expect these guys to be getting a lot more visitors over the coming weeks.
Related: Morioka Animal Park, Zoorasia
Sources: Togech, FM Yokohama
Insert images: Yokohama City Zoo




This Year of the Rabbit, visit some of the best Japanese sightseeing spots related to rabbits
Japan’s Rabbit Island – Yes, it really does exist
We visit Tokyo’s rabbit café to celebrate Easter in the cutest way possible 【Photos】
Adorable bunny pouches from Japan look like real, live rabbits!
Man kicks bunny to death on Japan’s Rabbit Island, may have killed as many as 77 others
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Starbucks Japan now offers close-to-closing discounted items through its mobile order app
Why do people spend so long in jail without going to trial in Japan?
Upcoming themed cafe answers the question “What if Hokusai had opened an eatery?”
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Japan’s 10 best Ferris wheels for beautiful views, as chosen by travelers【Survey】
Epic cutlet sandwiches in Osaka are the best Shinkansen bento
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Cute Japanese bunny bags store your items and keep you company at the same time!
Trial of man accused of kicking rabbits to death on Japan’s rabbit island comes to an end
Japan falls in love with plant that grows cute rabbits pulling peace-sign poses
Nintendo’s Kirby is trying to eat pet rabbits in Japan【Photos】
Tufts of shed polar bear fur among the gacha prizes at Japan’s newest crazy capsule toy machine
The fate of jack-o-lanterns in Japan: to be adorably devoured by a writhing mass of bunnies
“Rabbits are liquid?” Escape artist bunny breaks free of its cage in Japan【Video】
Guinea pigs in Tokyo zoo get pampered in the cutest video of 2020
Starbucks Japan releases cute new zodiac goods for Year of the Rabbit
Part of long lost 90-year-old Disney short film “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit” rediscovered in Japan
Teeny tiny giant panda baby born in Japan【Photos】
Japanese Twitter falls in love with the sexiest squirrel Tokyo has ever seen
Japanese pet creates adorable “Where’s Waldo?” game by napping in pile of soft animals
Adorably derpy bunny melts even the most frigid hearts on Japanese Twitter 【Pics】
That’s not a rabbit, that’s Mother Nature’s version of Pikachu (also known as Viscacha)【Photos】
Pets get mouse ear makeovers thanks to trending app in Japan
Leave a Reply