Hot potatoes selling like…hot potatoes, thanks to this friendly doge.
It’s no secret that we’re head over heels in love with Shiba Inu. This adorable Japanese dog breed has stolen our hearts with pudgy faces, stubborn ways, and impressive Japanese skills, and now it’s time for us to fall in love all over again, this time with a pup called Ken-kun.
What makes Ken-kun so special is the fact that he runs his own sweet potato stand. Located in Kiyota Ward in Sapporo, on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Ken-kun and his hot potato business recently starred on local television, and now everyone’s talking about the canine entrepreneur.
▼ “My husband messaged me on messaging app Line to say ‘there’s a pup selling roasted sweet potatoes'”
とある旦那からのLINE
— ひゅがた(推しに搾られた末路) (@hina_shii_ver2) March 18, 2019
「わんわんが焼き芋売ってる」
犬の、焼き芋屋さん、だと⋯??#可愛すぎ pic.twitter.com/YNvmbI0Htl
While the potato-selling pup was already making a name for himself in the local community, the above tweet sent Ken-kun’s popularity into overdrive, with people sharing the images and wanting to know more about the pup and his potato business.
▼ The stall is called “Dog’s Roasted Sweet Potato Stand“
https://twitter.com/momo2968/status/1109013488444174336 https://twitter.com/munimamamaru/status/1111586738370011136According to visitor reports, Ken-kun keeps watch over the sweet potatoes, which sit in a plastic box at the front of the stall. Customers purchase the potatoes via a self-serve honour system, where they pick up a potato and pop 100 yen (US$0.90) into a slot in the wooden stall for each one.
犬の焼き芋屋さん行ってきたワン(涙)。
— 高木宣孝 (@hobby_space_jun) March 22, 2019
ケンちゃんなまらおとなしくてかわいかったワン(涙)。
顔近づけてくれてなでなでいっぱいさしてくれたワン(涙)。
久々にさわる獣毛の感触たまらんかったワン(涙)。
お芋最後の1個でギリ買えたワン(涙)。
なんまら甘くておいしかったワン(涙)。 ↓ pic.twitter.com/1g6dCPPyxa
▼ Who wouldn’t respect the honour system with this adorable face at the stall?
犬の焼き芋屋さん
— Peridot (@hiroki99837) March 25, 2019
今回は買えました。 pic.twitter.com/Qhgm9Mwh3L
Ken-kun finishes his shift when the sweet potatoes sell out, and enjoys a stroll around the neighbourhood after a hard day’s work.
犬の焼き芋屋さん行ったら売り切れでした。
— Peridot (@hiroki99837) March 21, 2019
散歩中のケンくんを写真撮らせてもらいました。 pic.twitter.com/Vx6EXO1VcI
The three-year-old pup looks forward to greeting new faces at the stall every day, and with the money going towards Ken-kun’s food and treats, locals are more than happy to stop by and make a purchase from Dog’s Roasted Sweet Potato Stand.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a canine running a small business – after all, who can forget about Tokyo’s cigarette-selling Shiba Inu? – so here’s hoping Ken-kun continues to warm the bellies and hearts with his hot potatoes well into the future.
Source, featured image: Twitter/@hiroki99837

Japanese Shiba Inu melts hearts with adorable swimming technique…above water 【Pics & Video】
Japanese Shiba Inu stops baby’s cries like a doting parent, melts hearts for being a good dog
Shiba Inu in the snow: Japanese dogs melt hearts with their love for the cold【Pics & Video】
These Shiba Inu dogs are so cute they need a sign above their peeping holes
Shiba Inu boss lazes around in flowers while winning Japanese workers’ hearts
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan
Japan’s birth rate rose for the first half of the year for the first time in over a decade
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
First Pokémon anime movie since 2020 announced, brings new characters and staff to the series [Video]
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Cute Shiba Inu trio has Internet in stitches over classic stakeout routine
Meet Uni, the smiley Japanese Shiba Inu who loves to ride on playground equipment
Japanese Mame Shiba Inu banknote design pays homage to nation’s beloved dog
Adorable Shiba Inu is famous on Japanese Twitter for refusing to move when she’s having fun【Pics】
Japanese pet owner illustrates likeness between adorable Shiba Inu and Pokémon Eevee
This Shiba Inu is all of us when we just can’t anymore【Photos, Video】
Cute Japanese Shiba Inu joins in adorable “Handshaking Championship” with its owner
Cute Miniature Shiba Inu dog sisters from Japan never leave each other’s side
Japan’s doge meme Shiba Inu has died, hundreds of fans attend memorial service【Video】
Adorable Shiba Inu melts into puddle of doggy bliss when her head is rubbed 【Videos】
Shiba Inu dresses up as old woman, charms internet with tails of the good ‘ol (dog) days 【Pics】
You’re so cute when you’re angry. Shiba Inu gets angry at mocking mini-me toy【Video】
Brighten your day with these 12 adorable photos of Shiba Inu being unintentionally cute 【Pics】
Five reasons why Shiba Inu are the absolute best
New Shiba Inu goods from Felissimo Japan include squishy faces and cute dog bottoms