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
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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】