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The Viral Legacy Of Oolong: 7 Unexpected Facts About The Original Bunny With A Pancake On His Head

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Few images define the early days of the internet like the "Bunny with a Pancake on His Head." This seemingly simple, adorable photo of a rabbit patiently balancing a small cake on its head is not just a cute picture; it is a foundational piece of internet history, a true viral phenomenon that predates modern social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The rabbit's name was Oolong, and his story is a fascinating look into the birth of pet celebrity culture online.

The enduring mystery and curiosity surrounding this image—from the bunny's name to the true nature of the "pancake"—have kept the meme alive for over two decades. As of December 2025, Oolong's legacy continues to inspire pet owners and delight new generations of internet users who stumble upon the iconic image, proving that true cuteness never fades.

The Life and Times of Oolong: The Original Pancake Bunny

The rabbit known globally as the "Pancake Bunny" was a Dutch rabbit named Oolong. His life was short but left an indelible mark on digital culture. The world owes its thanks to his owner, a Japanese photographer named Hironori Akutagawa, who documented Oolong's unique talent.

  • Name: Oolong (Japanese: ウーロン)
  • Species: Dutch Rabbit
  • Owner/Photographer: Hironori Akutagawa (Japanese: 芥川 裕典)
  • Home Location: Hokkaido, Japan
  • Active Years (Viral Fame): 1999–2003
  • Talent: "Head Performance" (Balancing objects on his head)
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes
  • Date of Passing: January 7, 2003

Akutagawa began posting photos of Oolong on his personal website in 1998, initially for friends and acquaintances. It was the rabbit’s unusual patience and the flat shape of his head that gave rise to the "head performance" series, which quickly propelled Oolong into a global internet star.

7 Surprising Facts That Defined the Viral Phenomenon

The "Pancake Bunny" meme is shrouded in a few misconceptions. Understanding these facts not only deepens appreciation for Oolong's story but also provides topical authority on early internet culture and viral pets.

1. The "Pancake" Was Actually a Dorayaki

The most famous image that cemented Oolong’s legacy shows him with a small, round, golden-brown object on his head. While universally known as the "Pancake Bunny," the object was actually a dorayaki.

A dorayaki is a popular Japanese confection consisting of two small, sweet pancakes wrapped around a filling of sweet red bean paste (anko). The term "pancake" was likely used by Western internet users who were unfamiliar with the Japanese snack, and the simplified name stuck.

2. The Owner Coined the Term "Head Performance"

Hironori Akutagawa was not just taking photos; he was deliberately creating a series of art. He called Oolong's balancing act a "head performance" (Japanese: atama no ue no パフォーマンス).

The owner noted that Oolong was exceptionally patient and trusting, often tolerating the placement of objects while dozing. This unique collaboration between pet and photographer is what made the series so captivating and endearing.

3. Oolong Balanced Far More Than Just Pancakes

While the dorayaki is his most iconic prop, Oolong was a versatile performer. His head was used to balance a bizarre and extensive collection of objects, showcasing the depth of the "head performance" project.

Other notable items Oolong balanced included:

  • A small piece of toilet paper
  • Various types of fruit and vegetables (like carrots)
  • A waffle (his very last documented performance)
  • Small toys and figurines
  • Socks and other pieces of clothing

4. Oolong Was One of the Internet's First True Pet Celebrities

Oolong’s rise to fame in the early 2000s places him in the pantheon of the internet’s first cult web stars, alongside other pioneers like the "Dancing Baby" and the "Star Wars Kid."

His pictures were widely shared via email chains, forums, and early blogging platforms, long before the establishment of modern social media. This makes the "Pancake Bunny" a crucial entity in the cultural history of viral content and the pet-as-celebrity phenomenon.

5. The Legacy Continues with Yomogi, Oolong's Successor

Following Oolong's passing in 2003, Hironori Akutagawa adopted a new rabbit named Yomogi. Akutagawa continued the "head performance" tradition with Yomogi, effectively creating a spiritual successor to the original Pancake Bunny.

Yomogi’s photos are less widely known than Oolong’s, but they represent the owner's commitment to the project and the enduring nature of the balancing act. This continuation is the most significant "update" to the original story, keeping the tradition alive for a new generation.

6. The Meme Has Appeared in Major Pop Culture

The cultural impact of the "Pancake Bunny" extends far beyond the early internet. The meme was referenced in the Disney animated film Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).

In a memorable scene, a character is tricked into thinking a rabbit will receive a stack of pancakes, only for the rabbit to violently consume them. While visually different, the reference pays homage to the original Oolong meme, solidifying its place in mainstream digital folklore.

7. The Photo Sparked a Global Trend of "Object Balancing" Pets

Oolong's fame inspired countless pet owners around the world to try balancing objects on their own animals. This created a minor global trend of "object balancing pets," especially among rabbit and cat owners, proving the photo's powerful influence.

While many attempts were made, few pets possessed Oolong's unique combination of a flat head and calm temperament, which allowed for the perfect "head performance" photo. Modern viral rabbits, such as those sometimes featured on Reddit, are often affectionately nicknamed "Pancake Buns" in tribute to the original.

The Enduring Power of a Simple Rabbit Photo

Oolong the rabbit, the original "Bunny with a Pancake on His Head," remains a powerful symbol of early internet innocence. Born from a simple photo blog in Japan, his image transcended language and culture to become a globally recognized meme.

The story of Oolong and Hironori Akutagawa is a testament to the fact that the most viral content often comes from a place of genuine, unpretentious creativity. The legacy continues not only through his successor, Yomogi, but also through the millions of smiles the iconic dorayaki photo still generates today. The Pancake Bunny is more than a meme; it is a beloved piece of digital history.

The Viral Legacy of Oolong: 7 Unexpected Facts About the Original Bunny With a Pancake on His Head
bunny with pancake on head
bunny with pancake on head

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