Hakkeshou Kaiten is a two-part defensive technique used by the Hyuuga ninja clan. The technique starts by exploiting the extrasensory perception possessed by all members of the clan. This effectively allows the user to have a view of his or her surroundings in virtually every direction at once. The user waits until the attacker enters within approximately a 5-meter range. At this point, the user spins in a circle while releasing large quantities of energy, known in the "Naruto" series as chakra, in all directions. The energy field nullifies virtually any attack from the opponent. The basic premise of a technique is a fancier, more elaborate version of simply sidestepping the attack. This technique allows the user to avoid the attack and leaves the opponent vulnerable to a counterattack.
The most notable weakness of the Hakkeshou Kaiten relates to the extrasensory perception of the Hyuuga clan. The distance a Hyuuga can see is based on how powerful a ninja that person is. In addition, no member of the clan can see directly behind himself or herself regardless of power level. Some attacks also can go through the chakra field created with the technique. That normally would occur only if the attacker was substantially more powerful than the user.
Techniques in the "Naruto" series are classified into different types of Jutsu based on how they are used. Hakkeshou Kaiten is both a Taijutsu and Kekkei Genkai technique. Taijutsu techniques also are referred to battle techniques. These are natural abilities developed by practice and experience. This differs from other types of Jutsus, which require the user to form a specific hand gesture to invoke a natural element, such as fire or water. Kekkei Genkai refers to techniques passed genetically to members of the same ninja clan. The Hakkeshou Kaiten technique specifically requires the user to possess the extrasensory perception genetically passed between members of the Hyuuga clan.
Hakkeshou Kaiten is a technique that is used by every member of the Hyuuga ninja clan. Hyuuga Hanabi, a 7-year-old clan member, was even able to develop a more powerful variant of the technique. The only non-Hyuuga ninja capable of using this technique and other Hyuuga techniques is Ao, a ninja that appears in Chapter 454 of the "Naruto" manga series and has not been introduced in the anime series. Ao can use Hyuuga techniques because he implanted the eye of a Hyuuga ninja he defeated into his own eye socket. He is able to access the extrasensory abilities of a Hyuuga clan member using this eye despite not being an actual member of the clan.
Shugo Hakke Rokujuuyonshou, also known as Guardian Eight Divination Signs or Sixty-Four Palms of the Hand, is a similar technique developed by Hyuuga Hinata. The most notable difference is that this technique can allow the user to cut targets that attempt to breach the defenses of the user. This allows it to be used offensively, as opposed to Hakkeshou Kaiten, which functions primarily as a defense.