Hato no Hi -- Pigeon (Sable) Day

What Is Hato no Hi?

August 10th is "Hato no Hi" in Japan, established by Toshimaya Co., Ltd., maker of the famous Kamakura confection "Hato Sable" (Pigeon Sable), and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The date comes from the wordplay "ha (8) - to (10)," read as "hato," meaning "pigeon." The aim is to help more people learn about the pigeon, a symbol of peace, and to give pigeon lovers a chance to deepen their affection for the bird.

The Confection Known as "Hato Sable"

Hato Sable is a pigeon-shaped shortbread cookie that has long been cherished as Toshimaya's signature product.

• Its origin: created in the late Meiji era by founder Kubota Kyūjirō, inspired by a biscuit given to him by a foreign customer; known for its rich buttery flavor and crisp texture
• Why a pigeon: Kyūjirō revered Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, and he is said to have been inspired by the character "八" on the shrine's main plaque, drawn as two pigeons facing each other, and by the many pigeons on the shrine grounds
• How it's loved: popular not only among Kamakura residents but as a beloved souvenir gift across Japan
• Marking the anniversary: Toshimaya treats August 10th as a customer appreciation day; in 2024, its 130th anniversary year, it sold a limited set of tins each holding a single Hato Sable

Over 130 Years of History as a Long-Established Shop

Toshimaya has been cherished in Kamakura for more than 130 years since its founding in 1894. When Hato Sable first went on sale, the word "sable" was so unfamiliar that Kyūjirō reportedly nicknamed it "Hato Saburō."

Tips for Marking This Day

• Try a Hato Sable for yourself
• Check out the limited-edition products released specifically for August 10th
• Learn about the history of Kamakura and Toshimaya's own journey
• Pick up Hato Sable as a gift for someone special

130 Years of Unchanging Flavor, Carrying a Long-Established Shop's Pride

A single pigeon-shaped cookie carries within it the craft and history passed down over more than 130 years. Let August 10th be a chance to reflect on the history of Hato Sable while savoring a flavor that hasn't changed.