Stuffed 'jumbo rabbit' on display in Japan's Akita Pref. amid decrease in breeders
Alongside Akita dogs and Hinai-jidori chickens, the Hataya rabbit is a unique animal to the region, primarily bred in Misato. While the rabbit is famous for its pure white fur, the number of local breeders is declining, and concerned parties in the town hope that more people will get to know and start breeding the animal.
The stuffed rabbit, which has been on display since the end of May, is named Shirayuki-go. The female rabbit was raised by Seiichi Takahashi and his wife Seiko, both 78. Shirayuki-go, measuring approximately 60 centimeters in length and weighing about 7.5 kilograms, was provided to the town in November 2024. Rabbits in the town were widely bred during World War II for their fur and meat. However, the number of breeders has been decreasing in recent years due to the space and effort required for breeding and the rising cost of feed, with only two households currently raising the animals in the town.
In the past, the town's support for the protection and use of rabbits at farms across Misato was limited, relying on the self-help efforts of breeders, contributing to the decline in breeders. However, the Takahashis' rabbits have been exhibited annually in Tokyo, and Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko also visited to see the animal and showed interest. There is also growing interest from residents outside the prefecture and foreigners, and the auction prices at the annual autumn jumbo rabbit festival in the neighboring city of Daisen have been increasing each year.
At the unveiling ceremony for the stuffed rabbit, Misato Mayor Tomomi Matsuta said, "This stuffed specimen is considered a means to prevent the loss of jumbo rabbits from our town. We hope that visitors to the museum who see it will understand our town's sentiments and that the specimen will live on forever."
Seiichi Takahashi expressed his joy, saying, "My wife and I have been raising rabbits for over half a century. I'm delighted with this new display and hope to pass on this breeding culture to future generations as a treasure of the town."
The museum is considering further displays, including panels introducing the Hataya rabbit and items related to its breeding history. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is 300 yen (about $2) for adults and free for high school students and younger. For inquiries, call 0187-88-8706 (in Japanese).
(Japanese original and video by Akira Kudo, Akita Bureau)
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