The French dog is a regional specialty that sets itself apart from the American dog. Popular in the Doto region, the French dog is characterized by its use of a fish sausage and a coating of sugar. In contrast, a typical American dog uses a meat sausage and is seasoned with ketchup and mustard. Incidentally, the term "American dog" is a Japanese-made English phrase and is not used outside of Japan, where it's commonly known as a corn dog.

The history of the sugar-coated French dog dates back to an event held by the Nagasakiya department store in Kushiro in 1976. At the time, Kushiro had many manual laborers who tended to prefer sweet foods, and since sugar was readily available, the sugar-coated French dog became a local fixture. It was also a common local custom for children to sprinkle sugar on snacks like tomatoes, strawberries, and potato dumplings (imo dango). This regional culture helped establish the sugar-coated French dog as a classic local taste.

Hokkaido is the only region in Japan that produces sugar beets, a raw material for sugar. Nagasakiya first opened a store in the Doto region in Obihiro in 1970. The Tokachi area, which includes Obihiro, is known as a major producer of sugar beets. After opening a store in Kushiro in 1976, Nagasakiya began offering the sugar-coated French dog. The demand for high-calorie foods that warm both body and soul, typical of cold regions, gave birth to this unique way of eating.

The sugar-coated French dog offers an exquisite match between the crispy, sweet exterior and the savory saltiness of the sausage that emerges with every bite! The secret to its popularity lies in its convenience and the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a satisfying size, it's perfect for a snack or a light meal. The custom of adding sugar to French dogs in Eastern Hokkaido is a prime example of a unique food culture born from the fusion of regional tradition and creativity.

While this way of eating is now spreading throughout Hokkaido, the best place to be sure to find it is still the Doto region. At convenience stores in Eastern Hokkaido, when you buy an American dog, they'll ask, "Ketchup, mustard, or sugar?" A word of caution when eating: the sugar tends to fall off everywhere, but the people of Doto enjoy it as part of the charm.

When you visit Eastern Hokkaido, be sure to try the sweet and savory French dog!

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