Firefighting dog Bunko Okaki

These fried rice crackers, "Fire Dog Bunko Rice Crackers," are made with 100% Hokkaido glutinous rice. Fire Dog Bunko was a mixed-breed male dog who was rescued by the fire brigade from the ruins of a fire as a puppy and kept there, where he worked tirelessly alongside the firefighters to put out the fire. In 2006, a monument was erected in front of the former Otaru Warehouse to commemorate Bunko's achievements, and he remains beloved by residents and tourists alike as Otaru's idol dog. Each bag contains two flavors that are reminiscent of Hokkaido: "Corn Flavor" and "Butter and Soy Sauce Flavor." Carefully and slowly fried, the flavor of the ingredients is brought out, resulting in a light and crispy texture. The "corn flavor" is enhanced by the salty taste of the corn itself. Please enjoy this representative ingredient of Hokkaido.

The "Butter Soy Sauce Flavor" is a rice cracker that combines the richness of butter, a Hokkaido specialty, with the fragrant aroma of soy sauce. Enjoy the mouthwatering aroma.

The packaging is also attractive, with a paper bag dotted with colorful fire hydrants and an eye-catching illustration of the adorable "Fire Dog Bunko." Because Otaru has many slopes and a complex water supply route, the bottles are color-coded in red, blue, and yellow to make it easy to tell at a glance which water distribution system they are on. "Fire Dog Bunko Rice Crackers" are bite-sized and easy to eat, making them a great snack to go with alcohol or as a treat for children, and are also recommended as a gift.

In the early Showa period, Bun-kun, the fire dog, was featured nationwide on radio and in magazines, frequently making headlines in newspapers. When Otaru learned from repeated fires and began to develop its firefighting system, Bun-kun (c. 1914-1938, a mixed-breed male dog) was found barking in the ruins of a fire and rescued by the fire brigade, who then took him in as a pet. Before long, he was dispatched alongside firefighters, playing a vital role in the scene, shooing away onlookers and untangling hoses. He was also said to have been the first to climb aboard the side step of a Chevrolet fire truck, waiting for the call to action, and never once fell off the truck, even when it was moving at full speed. He is said to have been dispatched an astonishing 1,000 times, and passed away amid the love of many citizens. In 2006, a bronze statue was erected in front of the former Otaru Warehouse in his honor. You can see a stuffed Bun-ko at the Otaru City Museum Canal Hall. Bun-ko, who loved herring fillets and caramel, has been the subject of many picture books and is still beloved by locals and tourists.