When you think of winter in Hokkaido's Okhotsk Sea, "drift ice" comes to mind. Many tourists visit just to catch a glimpse of it, and one of the most popular attractions is the "Icebreaker Cruise Ship Garinko-go," which plows through the sea of ice with its giant drills. Now, a certain item that has appeared on board the Garinko-go is capturing the hearts of many on social media.

It's the "Crab Claw Lottery," where you can win a giant plush crab claw! There are a total of four prize sizes, from 4th prize to the grand prize, with a lineup ranging from a glove-sized claw to one large enough to fit your entire head inside.

Its impact and cuteness have led to a flood of rave comments on social media, such as "What is this, I want it!" and "I want to go to Mombetsu just for this." Other comments imagined various uses, like "I want to display it" and "I want to wear this and have a playful fight with my roommate when we argue."

What is Mombetsu's "Crab Claw"?

Incidentally, the model for the plush toy is the "Crab Claw," a giant monument in Mombetsu City. This impressively impactful crab claw, standing 12 meters high, 6 meters wide, and weighing 7 tons, is a popular photo spot for tourists.

The Crab Claw Lottery is available at the Garinko-go's onboard shop and the Okhotsk Tower!

The "Crab Claw Lottery" is sold at the onboard shop of the "Icebreaker Cruise Ship Garinko-go" and, starting January 25, also at the "Okhotsk Tower." This winter, why not try your luck with the lottery on-site and enjoy sightseeing in Mombetsu with a cute crab claw in tow?

*Editor's note added on April 7, 2025

The super popular Crab Claw Lottery had sold out, but it has been announced that sales will resume at the "Okhotsk Tower" starting Wednesday, April 9th! Be sure to grab a crab claw and enjoy Mombetsu in the spring and summer too.