An antique set of 5 plates depicting hares (rabbits/usagi). Made of glazed ceramic. Japan, 20th century.

The Japanese call hares usagi. The Japanese hare has become associated with many winter holidays in the country, particularly one of the most romantic nights of the year—Tsukimi Matsuri, the moon-viewing festival. If there's enough snow, many Japanese build a snowman-like creature on this night—Yuki Usagi, a hare made of snow. "Usagi" is usually translated as "rabbit," but it's more accurately translated as "hare," as there are no native rabbits on the Japanese islands, only hares, which shed their skins seasonally (rabbits don't).