Genghis Khan is a local dish beloved by many in Hokkaido, featuring lamb or mutton grilled with vegetables on a special iron skillet. As a soul food deeply rooted in the region, does this make Hokkaido a dangerous place for sheep? A post featuring some overly cute stuffed sheep who seem to share this concern has been gaining a lot of attention.

Persuading the sheep going to Hokkaido
that they won't be turned into Genghis Khan.

Quoted from a post by @junkfoodopera

The person who posted this is Hataya, also known as JUNK FOOD OPERA, a "heart-fluttering plushie creator/manga artist" and the creator of these cute sheep. The post has been viewed over 10,000 times, becoming a hot topic for the sheer cuteness of the sheep.

Hataya is a plushie artist based in Osaka who handcrafts and sells original character plushies. They also have a running manga series. We had the opportunity to speak with Hataya about the story behind this post.

Headed to Hokkaido to Be Eaten?! The Anxious-Looking Sheep

――These sheep heading to Hokkaido are so cute. What was the situation here?

Hataya: I was making and lining up the plushies I'm sending for an event at Ebetsu Tsutaya Books in September. When the sheep (Hitsujikka-chan) heard they were going to Hokkaido, they started looking anxious, as if thinking, "Are we going to be eaten as Genghis Khan?" So I was reassuring them that everything would be okay!

――So they're one of the works you're exhibiting at an event in Hokkaido. Your Quokka-chan is famous, but Hitsujikka-chan is adorable too!

Hataya: Thank you. The plan is to have a POP UP STORE selling various plushies, including Hitsujikka-chan and Quokka-chan.

――Please rest assured, no one would eat such cute sheep as Genghis Khan (laughs). Have you been to Hokkaido before?

Hataya: I love Hokkaido! In fact, I visited this February, traveling all the way from Osaka to Mombetsu to see the drift ice.

Hataya: This time, I've been given the opportunity to meet customers in person in Ebetsu, so I'm very excited! The plushie sales will start in advance on September 10th, and on September 13th, I'll be holding a one-day-only request illustration signing event. I'll draw an illustration requested by the customer and sign it on the spot, so please come and visit!

POP UP STORE Runs from September 10th to 15th!

The "JUNK FOOD OPERA POPUP in Hokkaido ~Quokka-chan Goes to Hokkaido~" will be held at Ebetsu Tsutaya Books from September 10th to September 15th. Why not take a trip to meet the adorable Hitsujikka-chan, Quokka-chan, and other cute plushies?