Hachifull, Akita Dog Themed Shop In Shibuya

Indigenous dog breed of Japan originating in the Odate region of Akita Prefecture is a dog famous for all time. Because of its popularity across the globe, Akita Cable TV Co., Ltd believed “ their limitless potential would be a true bridge between Akita and the world for the local Akita region”, hence, they opened Hachifull in winter 2021 over at the 14th floor inside the shopping complex, Shibuya Scramble Square. Hachifull is an abbreviation of hachi no furusato, meaning “Hachi’s hometown in Akita”.

In addition, part of the sales at this shop will be donated to One For Akita Project to help with the preservation of the breed as the Akita is facing an extreme reduction in its population due to a lack of breeders as well pure bloodlines.

Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region facing the Sea of Japan is about an hour by air from Haneda Airport in Tokyo, or about 3 hours and 45 minutes from Tokyo Station via the bullet train (shinkansen). With beautiful natural scenery, good local specialties, 17 Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties (the highest number of these in Japan), the prefecture itself is a place of history and culture to visitors see year-round.

All of the items sold at Hachifull are made with a commitment to either using raw materials from Akita Prefecture, manufacturing in Akita Prefecture, or planning and designing in Akita under the motto of “to create products that contribute to the revitalization of the market in Akita Prefecture”. The prefecture’s speciality, smoked pickle daikon radish, known as Iburigakko, which has a distinctive taste from the smoke and a texture is somewhat addictive. And it goes really well with sake.

Iburigakko (smoked picked daikon raddish), speciality of Akita Prefecture

However, because of its distinctive tastes, there are multiple opinions on its flavor with likes and dislikes tending to be fifty-fifty. To be favorable to many, Hachifull turned this local specialty into a western confectionery by finely chopping and kneading into the dough of a financier, a buttery cake. Financier itself is sweet, crisp, and somewhat a nutty flavor. However, when Iburigakko is added, the magic happens and adds some smoky aroma with a taste slightly sweet and sour comes to the fore and creates this financier one of a kind that makes you want to go back for seconds. Under Hacheese, a brand of Shibuya souvenirs authorized by the Shibuya City Tourism Association, four other flavors using local ingredients such as Akita Komachi rice flour, edamame, apples, and sake lees are on the palette too. Each flavor can be purchased individually but there are assortment sets available too.

Iburigakko Financier

Food isn’t just all for their love of the prefecture. While many might overlook it, the traditional artifact, Odate Magewappa, a lunch box with a gentle wooden surface has been enlarged and transformed into a shelf to display the items at Hachifull. The refined curve and the Akita cedar used for the material are the beauty of Magewappa. It has a very long history, having been found in ruins from the Heian period (794-1185). The typical products of Magewappa are bento boxes and trays. However, a variety of products designed to suit modern lifestyles, such as coffee cups, have also been developed and are sold.

Shelf in the shape of Odate Magewappa

Odate Magewappa Round Shaped Bento Box

Utensils and bowls using traditional craft such as Kawatsura lacquerware have been exclusively designed in collaboration with Hachifull too. With a history of over 800 years, originating in a small village of Kawatsura in the southern part of Akita prefecture, this lacquerware has a smooth, luminous surface with gentle plump touch. The finishing touch technique called “Hana-nuri” which adds a thick layer of lacquer keeps the lacquer film intact and strong creating such a plump look to the surface.

Kawatsura lacquerware bowl

Akita Cable TV Co., Ltd. who opened Hachifull Shibuya Meets Akita has a motto, "to provide visitors to Shibuya with stylish and playful Shibuya souvenirs and experiences that make the gift-giving scene more exciting." The shop is on the 14th floor where the ticket counter of Shibuya Sky, an observation deck with a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, is. The company hopes that visitors and locals will drop by here to grab a taste of Shibuya in different forms in collaboration with Akita prefecture as a memory of their trip in addition to their visit to the observation deck.

The plush of Hachiko wearing a bandanna with a camera was so popular that it sold out immediately after opening. If you take a closer look at the lens, it has a reflection of a Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Depending on the seasons, this plush is expected to have some seasonal exclusives and will surely attract fans.

Plush of Hachi (Purple and Gray version)

Reflection of Shibuya Scramble Crossings on the lens

From soft rubber keychain to stickers to more, the store will carry about 70 items of mainly original Hachi designed products, 60-70% of which will be exclusive to the store. It will be hard to find the perfect item to take home.

Hachifull Shibuya meets Akita

14th Floor of shopping complex Shibuya Scramble Square
Direct access from Shibuya Station Exit B6 (subway)

Hachifull SHIBUYA meets AKITA

Tokyo Shibuya-ku Shibuya 2-24-12 Shibuya Scramble Square 14F

0364505989

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