Up north in Hakodate, Hokkaido, there is a restaurant chain called Lucky Pierrot, known around the country for their uniquely large hamburger and fried squid dishes. It’s absolutely delicious and a popular draw for tourists. However, this was not why our man Kuzo was sent to the town.
His mission was to track down a restaurant serving “Active Dancing Squid Rice Bowl” (Katsu Ika Odori-don). Videos of this dish have stirred up controversy around the world by using what appears to be a living squid atop a bowl of rice and other ingredients.
Apparently, when soy sauce is poured over the squid it begins to move and “dance,” much to the delight or horror of those watching.

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Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Japanese convenience stores showing “hardening of society” with touch-screen age verification?
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We investigate the half-priced beer at Sushiro that everyone is angry about
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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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
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The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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Japanese convenience stores showing “hardening of society” with touch-screen age verification?
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
We investigate the half-priced beer at Sushiro that everyone is angry about
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
Flipping genius? Japan is getting a new flip phone/smartphone hybrid【Photos】
Sliced mayonnaise and white chocolate now exist in Japan, bringing sandwiches to glorious new era
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
Japanese restaurant serves noodles that you fold and eat【Taste test】
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
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Japanese company recognizes marriage with anime characters, provides family support benefits