[For Seniors] Discover Hokkaido’s Charms! Local Trivia Quiz

Melon Bear

The mascot character of the Hokkaido Products Center Yubari Store is Melon Bear. It’s a highly recommended character that combines a melon and a bear, and its strong impact has made it famous nationwide.

pork rice bowl

It’s said to have started in the early Showa era at a diner in Obihiro City, where the desire to serve a stamina-boosting dish led to the creation of a pork rice bowl. That sweet-and-salty sauce is the key—it’s an addictive flavor, isn’t it?

horsehair crab

The hanasaki crab has longer body spines than other crabs, and its legs are thick and short. Its name is said to come from Hanasaki, a place name in Nemuro. It’s also called the kombu crab because it inhabits waters where kelp grows.

Herring fishing

Known for its energetic rhythm, the Soran Bushi originated as a work song for herring fishing. It’s a folk song from Hokkaido, and nowadays it’s often arranged in a rock style and is a staple at school sports days and festivals.

To protect from the enemy

Goryokaku’s star shape was designed to place artillery at its points to protect its headquarters, the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, from enemies. This style is said to have originated in 15th-century Italy.

snack time

Speaking of Asahiyama Zoo, it’s popular because you can see animals in their natural state. Watching them eat and interact with each other is soothing. In particular, the “Mogu-Mogu Time” feeding sessions are especially popular.

scary

In Hokkaido, people say “kowai” to mean they’re tired. In other prefectures, you’d use “kowai” for things like being scared of ghosts or when something creepy happens. Using it to mean tired is a Hokkaido-specific dialect.