Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
Meet Ken-kun, the smart and hard-working business boi who has taken Twitter by storm in Japan after he was filmed diligently serving one of his many customers at his very own sweet potato stall. Now, there are many dogs with jobs in the world; leading the blind, chasing down criminals and sniffing out drugs and explosive just to name a few. But it’s not often you’ll find one manning (dogging?) a food stall and greeting the customers.
Image credits: hina_shii_ver2
Image credits: tabelog.com
The 3-year-old Shiba Inu works in Sapporo City on the island of Hokkaido and has it pretty easy, really. Customers have to simply choose the roasted sweet potato that they would like from the white box, and leave 100yen ($1 USD) as payment. Think of Ken-kun as a kind of store greeter.
Image credits: hina_shii_ver2
When somebody approaches, Ken-kun pops up his sweet little face to say hello and make sure the transaction goes smoothly. That being said, it is a trust-based system, so he’s not gonna jump out and chase you if you don’t pay up.
Image credits: hobby_space_jun
The stall is covered in colorful and artistic signage, with one sign explaining: “Because I am a dog, I can’t give you change.” Tips are appreciated though, with all proceeds going toward extra treats for the canine customer care worker.
Image credits: hobby_space_jun
Image credits: tabelog.com
Image credits: tabelog.com
The roasted sweet potatoes are known as yaki imo, in Japan and are the ultimate winter street food. You will see these stalls popped up all over the place, much like we have roast chestnuts in Europe or the U.S. I think I’d prefer one of these to be honest!
Image credits: tabelog.com
The sweet potato is an extremely popular food in general and can be found served in a variety of ways, much like Bubba from Forest Gump with his shrimp. There are: sweet potato chips, sweet potato pastries, sweet potato cakes, sweet potato candies, sweet potato breads, sweet potato caramel corn, sweet potato KitKats…You could even try sweet potato ice cream!
Image credits: tabelog.com
Image credits: hiroki99837
Image credits: tabelog.com
RELATED:
Watch the video of Ken-kun in action below
Image credits: Youtube
Here’s what people had to say about the polite pupper
What do you think ?
A Rose Among Thorns 5 years ago
This was so wholesome. Potatoes and Shibas what more could you ask for?
rhyan lumilay 5 years ago
they can't out a kitty in there it'll just sleep on job and chase the doggo.
Load More Replies...
Clematis 5 years ago (edited)
What a cute dog! This reminds me of my Japanese uncle (very kind old man) who spoke no English but one word: potato. He LOVED potatoes & used the word in reference to everything. Eating dinner? "Potato potato potato." Saw an extra-pretty pigeon in the park? "Potato potato potato." Made me laugh every time :D
Katinka Min 5 years ago
The dog sounds lonely. I hope it's only in that box for a couple of pics and the video and not all damn day.
A Rose Among Thorns 5 years ago
This was so wholesome. Potatoes and Shibas what more could you ask for?
rhyan lumilay 5 years ago
they can't out a kitty in there it'll just sleep on job and chase the doggo.
Load More Replies... Clematis 5 years ago (edited)
What a cute dog! This reminds me of my Japanese uncle (very kind old man) who spoke no English but one word: potato. He LOVED potatoes & used the word in reference to everything. Eating dinner? "Potato potato potato." Saw an extra-pretty pigeon in the park? "Potato potato potato." Made me laugh every time :D
Katinka Min 5 years ago
The dog sounds lonely. I hope it's only in that box for a couple of pics and the video and not all damn day.
You May Like 135 Unique and Cute Pet Names To Melt Your Heart 50 Cute Pics Of Bulldogs Prove How Common Stereotypes About Them Are Wrong 40 Most Popular Male Dog Names For Very Good Boys
Larysa Perih
Faustas Karklelis
Saimonas Lukošius
Related on Bored Panda
259
59