Unknown to most, there is a small place called Hako Island. On this island, a group of happy and energetic animals called Hakoton live in harmony. However, these cute animals do not communicate by speech, but rather through upbeat rhythms they enjoy playing by tapping items on the ground with. They also are delighted to learn new rhythms and mimic what they hear from others.

Created by the Japanese toy company, Megahouse, Hakoton is an interactive toy that can memorize tapping rhythms and play them back to you. In order to teach a Hakoton a new rhythm, you press a button behind each toy's head for a few seconds and while the red nose is lit, tap a short rhythm on a hard surface near the toy. Then, the hakoton will play the rhythm you taught it and can remember up to four rhythms in a row. Although, it sounds simple, there is some challenge. If your first attempt to tap a rhythm cannot be understood, the Hakoton will let out a small unhappy cry. But, once the Hakoton is taught a rhythm correctly, it will happily mimic what you have taught it with great energy.

Each Hakoton created has unique characteristics and a variety of animals that range from wild animals like bears to domestic pets such as cats and dogs are available. The first group of Hakoton is the monkey group known as "Kikiton." Kikiton is a yellow monkey, but has friends named "Blue Kikiton" and "Grey Kikiton." Kikiton was born on March 6 and lives in a big house with lots of siblings. Since Kikiton are monkeys, they love bananas and even use them as their tool to tap out rhythms to others.

Another group living on Hako Island is a group of dogs named "Pekoton." Pekoton is a pink dog but has buddies called "Yellow Pekoton" and "Green Pekoton." Pekoton was born on New Year's Day and lives life with an easy-going, "my own pace" attitude. However, Pekoton does not like to study and dislikes school until it is time to eat lunch. One of Pekoton's favorite menu dishes is a hot dog cut into the shape of an octopus.

Bears also live on Hako Island and are known as "Tokoton." Tokoton is a blue bear but has pals such as "Pink Tokoton" and "Purple Tokoton." Tokoton was born on Japan's Kodomo no Hi (May 5) and although he is a bear, he dislikes food that bears normally eat. Tokoton loves waking up in the morning and eating his favorite breakfast menu of pancakes drenched in sweet maple syrup and a hot bowl of creamed corn soup. Tokoton has been known to use spoons to tap out rhythms he learns from others.

There are many other animal groups of Hakoton such as Buuton, a happy pig that loves to build things, Chichiton, a rich Chihuahua dog, and Nyanton, a cute kitty that loves flowers despite suffering from hay fever. Each Hakoton comes with special stickers that can be used to personalize and add design to the animal. Also, other hakoton related goods such as key chains, plushies, and mini versions of the originals are now available due to the popularity of this toy line.

Hakoton is a cute toy that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Their happy sounds and energetic tapping mood are sure to keep you and your friends entertained for hours. Hakoton is also great for those who love music and find themselves always tapping their pen or feet to beats. Unique and compact, they also make the perfect gifts to brighten anyone's day.

Want to see how Hakoton works? Check out this Hakoton mini demonstration movie here from Mainichi Interactive.

Buy Hakoton here from Akadot Retail.