A Look at the Wild Marten! This video, titled "A Close up of a Wild Marten" shows rare footage of a wild marten chowing down. Marten are small animals similar to stoats, ferrets, and weasels. The animal is often treated as a supernatural species in many parts of Japan. There are legends and folktales about the marten that say it has the ability to shapeshift into a raccoon or a fox, and that the misfortunes that occur in villages are due to the work of the marten. In this article, we'll explore the ecology and characteristics of the marten! The Marten - Types and Habitat Photo：Marten The marten is a carnivorous animal that constitutes the genus Martes in the family Mustelidae. Marten are generally 44-55 cm long with tails 17-23 cm long, and they weigh around 1 kilogram. Most wild marten in Japan are found on Honshu (Japan's main island), but they are also widely distributed in Shikoku and Kyushu. In Tsushima, Kyushu region Nagasaki prefecture, there is an endemic subspecies called the Tsushima marten. The Japanese sable of Hokkaido is said to be a different species than the marten. There are other types of marten around the world, such as the yellow-throated marten, American marten, Japanese sable, and European pine marten. The Characteristics and Ecology of the Japanese Marten Source :YouTube screenshot In the wild, marten live and breed alone, using crevices in rocks and tree hollows as their burrows. Their high pitched "squeaking" is one of their distinctive characteristics. Wild marten are omnivores, feeding on insects, birds, fruits and many other things. They sometimes appear in towns and destroy fields, so they are often treated as vermin. Their fur is reddish brown or dark brown in color, and they have different colored summer and winter coats. Some marten are even known for their incredibly fine fur. The wild marten shown in the video is seen constantly checking its surroundings as it chows down on some cat food. Occasionally it stands up to check its surroundings as well. This can be seen at 0:46 in the video. If you notice, the marten is also missing his front left leg, which may be the reason it's is relying on cat food, as catching its prey may be more difficult. Keeping Marten as Pets Photo：Marten After seeing this cute critter munching on some cat food, you might even think you want to raise one yourself. The breeding of wild marten is not prohibited in Japan, and they can actually be caught and bred with permission. However, due to their aggressive and violent nature, there are few cases of keeping them outside of specialized facilities such as zoos. That being said, it's probably difficult to care for one. Summary of the Japanese Marten In this article, we introduced the ecology of the wild marten. As you can see in the video, you might encounter a wild marten in your backyard in Japan, but they are quite difficult to care for. If you want to see some cute marten up close, we recommend visiting a zoo or animal shelter!

The Wild Birds of Japan! This 8 and half minute video titled "The Wild Birds of Japan- Video Compilation 2 (HD)" (日本の野鳥 動画集 2 (HD)), promotes the beautiful wild birds native to Japan. In this video you can see all different types of birds, from common species you might see around town, to rare species that you wouldn't normally get a chance to see. A Glimpse Into the Wild Bird of Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The wild birds shown in this video are as follows . The long-tailed bushtit​ [from 0:00 ], the great spotted woodpecker [from 0:18 ], the pygmy woodpecker [from 0:35 ], the varied tit [from 0:41 ], the little tern [from 1:01 ], the black-tailed gull [from 1:20 ], the coot [from 1:30 ], the whooper swan [from 1:45 ], the spot-billed duck [from 2:20 ], the Eurasian wigeon [from 2:32 ], the common pochard [from 2:51], the green pheasant [from 3:11], the black kite [from 3:31], the swallow [from 3:46], the little grebe [from 4:06], the white-bellied green pigeon [from 4:23], the Eurasian bullfinch [from 4:48], the reed bunting [from 4:54], the azure-winged magpie [from 5:13], the oriental greenfinch [from 5:24], the narcissus flycatcher [from 5:32], the Japanese white-eye [from 5:53], the great tit [from 6:14], the tree sparrow [from 6:29 ], the pale thrush [ from 7:06], the blue rock-thrush [from 7:12], the great cormorant [from 7:21], the grey heron [from 7:37], the common sandpiper [from 7:45], the large terek sandpiper [from 7:55], the far eastern curlew [from 8:04], and the black-winged stilt [from 8:14]. What Kinds of Wild Birds Are There? Source :YouTube screenshot The wild birds shown in this video are general species. Not just birds that live in the mountains of Japan, but waterfowl and sea birds also fit into this category. The wild birds living all across Japan are migratory birds. Birds that come to Japan in the spring and stay for the summer are called summer birds, and birds that come to Japan in autumn and stay for the winter are called winter birds. Wild birds which stray into Japan because of typhoons called "stray birds". And of course, the birds that stay in one place year round are referred to as non-migratory birds. Find the Wild Birds Shown in This Video! Photo：Dusky thrush Besides the wild birds shown in this video, there are many birds such as crows, chats, bull-headed shrike, and grey starling that inhabit Japan. You can enjoy a nice time bird watching and listening to their singing, or you can take some lovely photos of birds at feeding stations. When you go bird watching, we recommend wearing rain boots. Japan's Wild Birds Wrapped Up As you can see from this video, many wild birds live in Japan. You can find lovely birds not only in mountainous areas but also in towns. There is the "Wild Bird Society" that specifically observes Japan's wild birds. If you're interested in different species of birds or their ecology, you can participate in bird watching with the Wild Bird Society as well!

This video, titled "I Found 5 Stag Beetles! MAX EXCITEMENT!" (まさかのオオクワガタ5匹GET！テンションMAX), was released by "Yamame CHANNEL" (やまめCHANNEL). The giant stag beetle is one of the largest stag beetles inhabiting Japan. It lives in the deep woods in tree hollows, as introduced in the video. They range from 2 to 7 centimeters in length, but larger ones over 9 centimeters have been found in some cases. Many children are interested in these insects in the wild, and often go out to catch them with their nets and cages. Keeping stag beetles is also a fun hobby for adults. In Japan, some people make a living by capturing and selling stag beetles like the one in the video and selling them to collectors.

A Look at the Japanese Badger This video, titled "[Japan's Wildlife] the Ecology of Badgers｜A Cute Animal That Looks Like a Bear but Isn't (Japanese Badger)" (【日本の動物】アナグマの生態〜クマのようで熊ではない可愛い動物〜(Japanese badger)), introduces the Japanese badger. Japanese badgers look like bears, but as you'll see in the video, they are actually quite different. Let's take a look at Japan's native badger species! About the Japanese Badger Photo：Japanese badgers Japanese badgers belong to the family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. The scientific name of the Japanese badger is "Meles anakuma." The Japanese badger is 40 to 60 centimeters in length and weighs about 12 kilograms. They're light brown in color, similar to that of bears. A characteristic of the Japanese badger is their sharp claws. Japanese badgers are nocturnal and omnivorous animals and live in units called "clans." When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, they enter hibernation. They inhabit forests in Honshu (本州), Shikoku (四国), and Kyushu (九州). The average lifespan for a wild Japanese badger is 10 years. In the video you can see two cute Japanese badgers playing, running around, and taking naps. Japanese Badgers - Viewed as Pests Photo：A badger walking on snow Japanese badgers have warm personalities and do not scare easily. Unfortunately, because they often feed on the crops of farmers, they are seen as pests. Some restaurants in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kyoto actually serve badger meat as game dishes. The Diverse Wildlife Found in Japan Photo：Japanese weasel There are other animals similar to the Japanese badger, such as the raccoon dog (tanuki), masked palm civet, raccoon, and the Japanese weasel. There's a Japanese proverb that goes "Onaji ana no Mujina" (同じ穴の狢), which, translated to English, goes "Badgers of the same hole." It basically expresses that while seemingly unrelated, these animals are of the same type. It's similar to "birds of a feather" or "villains of the same stripe." Breeding Japanese Badgers? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese badgers are quite friendly. Even when people come close to it, it sometimes moves closer to them, albeit with their tail between their legs like a cat. However, if they are provoked, they may threaten other animals with fierce warning calls. They are not prohibited from being kept as pets, but it's a bit difficult to actually keep them, as you won't be able to bring them to an ordinary vet if something happens. Summary of Japanese Badgers In this article we gave a quick overview of the Japanese badger. Recently, Japanese badgers have been featured on news broadcasts as they've been seen coming down to towns for food, due to increasing deforestation. We'll have to do our part to preserve the forests so that humans and animals can coexist.

An Introduction to Japanese Weasels! The video「二ホン イタチ(mustela itatsi)　カワウソのような泳ぎ・素早い走り　Japanese Weasel-Swimming and running　Donnola -nuoto e corsa」, was created by “AndreaNature.” The Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi) is a mammal similar to the Japanese otter, and is endemic to Japan. Their body size ranges from 27 to 37 centimeters in length for males and 16 to 25 centimeters for females, with a weight range of 290 to 650 grams for males and 115 to 175 grams for females. Their fur is a brownish-red to a yellowish-orange, and it belongs to the genus Mustela in the family Mustelidae. It is similar to the masked palm civet or the Japanese marten in appearance, and makes squeaking sounds. Its average lifespan is 1.9 years. You wouldn't be able to tell that something so cute was so vicious, just by looking at it. A Look at the Endangered Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot This video was shot in Moriya city, Ibaraki, in Japan's Kanto region. In this video, we see the Japanese weasel swimming under ice starting around 1:05, swimming in the water around 1:33, and running wildly about at 3:05. The Ecology of Japanese Weasels Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Japanese weasels don't hibernate, and are active throughout the year. They use holes and crevices as nests, but they generally just prefer any sort of hole, regardless of it being their den. Japanese weasels are solitary animals that are active during the day and night. They live near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and bogs, and are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed hands and feet. At around 1:35 in the video, they can be seen swimming about, just like otters. They eat meat but also eat plants as well, making them omnivorous. Japanese weasels were introduced to Tokyo as a form of pest control. Its natural predators are birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and mammals larger than the Japanese weasel, such as foxes and cats. Japanese weasels didn't originally inhabit in Hokkaido. However, they were unintentionally brought there by ships that some Japanese weasels had snuck onto, and landed in the region. Most of the Ezo weasel (Ezo Itachi, エゾイタチ) species in the literature refer to the Ezo Okojo (Mustela erminea Orientalis), which is a slightly smaller species than the Japanese weasel. The Non-Native Siberian Weasels (Mustela Sibirica) Photo：Japanese weasels Siberian weasels were also introduced to the Honshu region as non-native animals. They used to only inhabit Tsushima in Japan's Kyushu region, but after the Manchurian Incident, it was introduced to Japan and raised for fur production. Unfortunately, Siberian Weasels won the competition for survival against the Japanese Weasel and expanded their territory. Therefore, Japanese weasels are listed on the IUCN Red List as a near threatened species and as endangered species in both Saga prefecture and Osaka prefecture. They are also designated as a game animal by Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law. There are three major differences between Japanese weasels and Siberian weasels. The first one is the tail. Siberian weasels have a longer tail (about 21 cm) than Japanese weasels. The second is weight. Siberian weasels weigh twice as much as Japanese weasels do; the largest ones can reach sizes up to 850 grams. Third is body color. Siberian weasels are more yellowish than Japanese weasels, and Japanese weasels have grey hair around their eyes. Summary of the Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot What'd you think about the Japanese Weasel? Although this animal is indigenous to Japan, it's difficult to see these days. We hope you enjoy the rare footage of these cute critters!

Hornets V.S. Japanese Honey Bees This video is titled "Small Japanese Honeybees Unite to Repel an Invading Hornet｜Nat Geo" (スズメバチを撃退するニホンミツバチ | ナショジオ). The video is produced by "National Geographic." To repel the wasps, which are several times larger than they are, the Japanese honeybees use a special technique in which they cover the body of the wasp and quite literally cook it alive. Please enjoy the awesome footage shown in the video! Japanese Honey Bees Photo：A honey bee The Japanese honey bee is an insect of the order Hymenoptera and family Apidae. It is a living species that has been inhabiting Japan since ancient times. In addition to Japanese honey bees, there are other types of bees, including the dwarf honey bee and giant honey bee. These bees help pollinate flowers and grasses and make wax from the pollen in their nests in trees and under houses. The flower nectar has been processed and sold for a long time as products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Most Japanese honeybees live in the wild, and those that are kept in captivity are released into the wild to collect pollen and take it back to their hives. The non-native honey bee species, the western honey bee, often helps with pollination in agriculture. Japanese honeybees live in large areas of Japan and can be seen all over Japan, excluding Hokkaido, Okinawa, and some remote islands. In addition to living in the mountains, they can also be found in urban areas, and although they are said to be endangered, the Japanese are very familiar with them. Also, unlike the hornet, the Japanese honeybee has a warm personality and is famous for not stinging people often. Combined with their cute appearance, they have a good reputation in foreign countries. You don't need a special license to keep them, and anyone can do so, provided they file the proper documents. Japanese Hornets. How They're Different From Honey Bees Photo：Adult hornets While Japanese honeybees feed on the nectar of flowers, adult hornets feed on nutrients secreted by their larvae. The larvae feed mainly on insects, and capture and feed on smaller insects such as honey bees in order to grow. These differences in feeding habits are due to differences in the body structure of the adult hornet. Adult hornets have a narrowing between their chest and abdomen, which prevents them from ingesting solids, such as insects. It's also very different in that the larvae of the Japanese honey bee makes honey, whereas the larvae of the wasp does not. Hornets V.S. Japanese Honey Bees - The Showdown Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video at 0:13, hornets often attack honeybees to feed their young. In particular, the giant hornet is so ferocious that it invades the nest of bees and attacks not only adult bees but also larvae and pupae. The bee's response to such an attack is the killer heat ball that can be seen at 0:24 in the video. This takes advantage of the weakness of the hornets, as we all know bug types are weak to fire. The bees, rather than using their stingers, form up on the hornet, attaching themselves to it and creating a ball of bees. In the video, 500 Japanese honey bees can be seen covering the hornets. The internal temperature of the Japanese honeybee rises to 47.2° C (117° Fahrenheit), and the increase in carbon dioxide repels the hornets. Summary of Honey Bees V.S. Hornets Did you enjoy learning about the fierce war between honey bees and hornets? The amazing counter attack of the bees shows just how amazing nature is!

This video, titled "Tama Zoological Park｜All Kinds of Animals, Including Lions and Elephants!｜An Educational Video for Children" (多摩動物公園（Tama Zoological Park）｜ライオンや象などいろんな動物が登場！｜子供向け知育動画), was released by POYO POYO." If you want to see a lot of animals, head over to Tama Zoological Park in Hino City, Tokyo! The animals that appear in this video include elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, koalas, red pandas, owls, kangaroos, cheetahs, and more. There are more than 300 species of animals that live in Tama Zoological Park. Since the animals are kept in an environment that is close to nature, Tama Zoological Park is the perfect place for those who want to closely observe the ecology of the animals. Be sure to visit this popular zoo that is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Introducing the Minohiki! This video, titled "Minohiki (Protected Species) - An Ornamental Chicken in Danger of Extinction" (蓑曳鶏（みのひきどり 国指定天然記念物 ）～絶滅危機の観賞用ニワトリ～), introduces the Minohiki, a chicken bred for its beauty. The video was released by "Toyohashi Dot Television." The minohiki is characterized by its beautiful feathers, called minoge (saddle feathers), which grow from the center of its body. The origin of the name minohiki comes from the fact that the minoge grows to the point of dragging it on it on the ground (hiki meaning pull in Japanese). In this article, we'll introduce the minohiki in detail along with the video. What Kind of Chicken Is the Minohiki? Source :YouTube screenshot The Minohiki is a type of Japanese chicken that is said to have been bred during the mid Edo period (1700-1800s). It's a medium-sized pheasant, and is thought to be a cross between the long-tailed chicken, the shokoku chicken of China, and the game fowl of Thailand and is similar in build to the long-tailed chicken. It weighs approximately 2 kg. As shown at 1:35 in the video, the minohiki lays its eggs in the spring. There are several species of minohiki, including the Akazasa, Shojo, Shirafuji, Shiro, and Goshiki. Because the minohiki shed their feathers after summer, the best time to admire them is from spring to June. You can see a beautiful white minohiki at 2:24 in the video. On the Brink of Extinction? Source :YouTube screenshot The minohiki, a native Japanese species, was designated a protected species in 1940 (Showa 15). During the Showa Period (1926-1989), more than 1,500 chickens are said to have lived in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture and the Enshu region of Shizuoka Prefecture. However, the number of bird lovers has declined and they are now on the verge of extinction. The Minohiki is difficult to raise individually, but you can see them at zoos and other places. Summary of the Minohiki Source :YouTube screenshot If you're interested in seeing the minohiki up close, consider dropping by The Toyama Family Park. The park currently raises minohiki. Japan is also home to many other unique types of chickens, such as Chabo (Japanese bantam), Shamo (game fowl), and Cochin. When you go to the zoo in Japan, be sure to keep an eye out for a variety of chicken species.

This video, titled "[Once in a Lifetime Miracle] Click Here to See a Fight to the Death With a Massive Fish! (Ishigaki, Night 3)" (【生涯一本の奇跡】超巨大魚との死闘の記録はこちら（石垣第3夜）), was released by "Monkfish Hours" (あんこうアワーズ). This is a 22 minute video showing a fight to the death while trying to land a massive fish! The fish caught was a 165 cm long, 83 kg giant grouper, which broke the record in Okinawa. The video will have you on the edge of your seat as they try to land this behemoth of a fish!

This video, titled "[Shocking] an Incredible Creature Next to the Ferry Terminal..." (【衝撃】フェリー乗り場の隣で信じられない生物が・・・), was released by "釣りよかでしょう。" The video shows young men fishing next to the ferry terminal. They are getting impatient due to the lack of fish, and finally discover the shadow of a fish that reacts to the fishing rod. The size of the fish seemed to be different from the usual black rockfish. When they changed the bait to a lure, the fish was clearly more responsive. After three rounds of casting, they finally caught it, speculating that it was a sea bass. The fish wasn't a sea bass, but a bright red sea bream! It's nice to see the young men so happy to see that they caught a sea bream!

Introducing the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Beautiful Garden in the Ancient Capital of Nara! This video, titled "[4K] Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA" ([4K] 日本庭園　旧大乗院庭園 / 奈良　Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA), was uploaded by "Yurara Sarara," a channel focused on Japanese culture. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located next to Nara Hotel and has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the government of Japan. Enjoy the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, which was praised as one of the most beautiful gardens in the southern capital, in this 2.5 minute-long, 4K video. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden - Learn the History of the Beautiful Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Located in the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Daijoin is a temple with a long history, founded in 1087, the first year of Kanji, and flourished from the Heian period (794-1185 AD) to the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It was famous as one of the sub-temples of Kofukuji Temple, but it was destroyed by fire in the Siege of Nara by the Taira clan in 1180, and moved to its present location. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden was devastated by a peasant uprising in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573 AD), but was remodeled by Zen'ami, a gardener famous for creating the garden of Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion). The temple was abandoned due to the abolition of Buddhism in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), but Nara Hotel was built on the site, and now it has become a tourist known as "The Former Daijoin Temple Garden." Highlights of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden in autumn, Nara City, Nara Prefecture The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a garden featuring a path around a pond, with small east and west ponds at its center. In addition to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there are other gardens of in this style, including the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto and Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, from the deep green of spring to the changing leaves of autumn, but it's even more beautiful when visiting during seasonal events. In September, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is open to the public at night for the "Full Moon Festival" (観月の夕べ). Visitors can enjoy a collaboration of the mid-autumn moon and the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden. At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there is a historical museum that displays a model of the original Daijoin Temple, as well as the Daijoin Garden Cultural Hall, which has meeting rooms and a tea ceremony room for various events. In addition, the earthen wall outside the building incorporates the design of of ancient structures, allowing visitors to enjoy the culture of not only the garden, but also the exterior of the building. Access to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Tourist Attraction in Nara Prefecture To get to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, take an 8-minute bus bound for Tenri or Shimoyama from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at the "Nara Hotel" bus stop, and walk for 1 minute, or get off at the "Fukuchiin" (福智院町) bus stop, and walk for 1 minute. If you're visiting via car, be sure to use the nearby "Naramachi Center" parking lot. Summary of the Famous Former Daijoin Temple Garden in Nara, Japan Photo：Nara Hotel At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, visitors can enjoy strolling through the garden while viewing the autumn leaves and the mid-autumn moon in autumn, as well as cherry blossoms in spring. Located in the ancient capital of Nara, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is located next to Nara Hotel, which has a history of more than 100 years, so we definitely recommend staying there as an overnight when sightseeing in Nara. Come and see the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden with your own eyes! 【Official Website】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Place of Scenic Beauty https://www.narahotel.co.jp/eng/ 【TripAdvisor】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d2049192-Reviews-Meisho_Daijoin_Garden-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Bird Watching in Tokyo, Japan – Video Introduction This video, titled "An oasis where Japanese wild birds gather /4K," was uploaded by "Birdlover.jp," a channel that introduces rare and seasonal wild birds found in Japan. Birds You Can Observe in Tokyo Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Despite being the largest urban area in Japan, even in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there are many wild birds to be seen. In the parks of Tokyo, you can see a wide variety of birds, including brown-eared bulbuls, pale thrushes, hawfinches, dusky thrushes, sandpipers, brown-headed thrushes, white-cheeked starlings and many more. Brown-Eared Bulbuls, Pale Thrushes, Hawfinches, and Dusky Thrushes – A Look at the Birds in the Video Photo：Pale thrush While birdwatching in Tokyo, you can see many different types of wild birds. Here are some characteristics of each. Brown-Eared Bulbuls: Gray plumage with a pattern of white spots on their bellies. They have a high-pitched call. Their beaks are elongated at the tip to suck nectar from flowers. Pale Thrushes: About the size of a brown-eared bulbul, the pale thrush has a cute appearance. They can sometimes be seen flitting about parks. Hawfinches: Larger than sparrows and characterized by their sharp eyes. You can see a hawfinch drinking water in the video. [Video] 1:30 - A Hawfinch Drinking Water Dusky Thrushes: The white line above their eyes looks like an eyebrow. They fly from Siberia to Tokyo in winter and stay in Japan until around April. Bird Watching & Photography Spots Photo：Inokashira Park So where can you see wild birds in Tokyo? Here are some spots we recommend for birdwatching and photographing wild birds. ・Inokashira Onshi Park In 1917, Inokashira Onshi Park was opened as Japan's first suburban park. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and bird photography. ・Mizumoto Park The largest park in Tokyo's 23 wards, Mizumoto Park is a popular place to watch kingfishers, grey herons, and other birds. ・Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park was originally built on land reclaimed from the sea. It is said that wild birds naturally gathered in the park due to its favorable environment. Many wild birds can be seen here, including warbling white-eyes, Japanese tits, sandpipers, plovers, ducks, and more. ・Meiji Jingu Shrine Kingfishers, woodpeckers, and pale thrushes can be seen at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Although Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in Harajuku, it is home to a large number of wild birds, which is unexpected given its urban setting. ・Kiyosumi Garden At Kiyosumi Garden, you can see white-cheeked starling, eastern spot-billed ducks, and Eurasian wigeons. The Japanese garden is an attractive place to observe many wild birds amongst lovely scenery. ・Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen is known as a unique bird-watching spot in central Tokyo, where visitors can observe goshawks, tits, and other birds. The Wild Bird Society of Japan The Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo was formed on September 13, 1947 and is dedicated to bird watching and bird conservation. The organization engages in a variety of activities, including observing wild birds in Tokyo with other members, and conducting conservation activities in parks where wild birds are found. Summary of Bird Watching in Tokyo Photo：Bird watching Some people may find it hard to imagine that there are so many wild birds in Japan's capital, Tokyo. But in reality, many wild birds can be seen in the city, including at places like Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Bird-watching events held by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo, can be enjoyed by beginners as well. Another attraction is that you can observe different types of wild birds throughout Japan's four seasons: warbling white-eyes and brown-eared bulbuls in spring, dusky thrushes and pale thrushes in winter, and so on. If you visit any of the places introduced here, be sure to listen for the sounds of birds. You may discover the charms of bird watching even in the big city.

This video, titled "[Kochi Prefecture] Prefectural Facilities Information｜Noichi Zoological Park" (【高知県】県立施設だより 高知県立のいち動物公園), was released by "KochiPref." Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoological Park was selected as the No. 1 Zoological Park in Japan by several review sites, specifically on Tripadvisor's "Top 10 Zoos in Japan 2019." The reason for this is the proximity to the animals and the open manner of the exhibits where the animals can live in a carefree manner. You can see the animals living their lives in a natural way, and the park is designed to be enjoyable for adults as well as children. The video shows animals, such as California sea lions, chimpanzees, spotted hyenas, and shoebills. In addition, there are 1,200 animals of 100 different species that are kept in a variety of habitats.

This video, titled "[Nagoya City Official] 80th anniversary of the beloved Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens" (【名古屋市公式】愛されて80周年。東山動植物園), was released by "Maruhachuubu (Nagoya City)" (まるはっちゅ～ぶ（名古屋市）). The video is a PR video for the 80th anniversary (as of 2017) of the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened in 1937. In 2015, Shabani, a handsome gorilla, became the talk of the town. A new gorilla/chimpanzee house was built in 2018 and is one of the highlights of the park. In addition to the zoo, the park also has a botanical garden where you can enjoy a wide range of activities.

The Cute Akita Dogs of Japan This video, titled "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs" (秋田犬 〜忠誠心に厚い日本の犬〜), is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs, famous for Shibuya Station’s Loyal Dog Hachiko. The video was produced by "JVT Channel." The Akita is a Japanese dog that has been designated a national natural treasure and is very familiar to the Japanese people. Loyal and gentle, the Akita is a popular dog in other countries as well. In this article, we'll take a look at the adorable Akita! The Akita Photo：Akita dog Akita, not to be confused with the prefecture of the same name, are a Japanese dog breed. Their gentle and loyal nature has made them a popular dog around the world. They have a lovely round face, triangular ears, and a curled-up tail. The Akita Dog comes in a variety of coat colors, such as brindle, but the most common color is red fawn. The red variety has a reddish-brown tinge around the forehead and on the back. They are sold at pet stores at prices ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 yen. It is the only large dog among the six types of dogs native to Japan and stands about 61-67 cm tall, with a life span of 10-13 years, which is the average for large dogs. Contrary to its larger size, their gentle characteristic are one of the main reasons for their popularity. You can see the features of the Akita dog at 0:07 in the video. The Akita dog's ancestors lived in the city of Odate, Akita Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. After dogfighting became popular in Japan, the Akita was crossed with the Tosa Inu and Mastiffs and became larger, which led to their current form today. Since they are large dogs, they need to be trained from when they are puppies and need to be walked regularly, as they were originally hunting dogs. The Charm of Akita Dogs - Obedient and Energetic Pets Photo：Akita Dog The charm of Akita dogs are their cute faces and gentle nature. There are several types of Japanese dogs, including the small Shiba Inu (dog), and the medium-sized Kishu inu, Shikoku inu, Hokkaido inu, and Kai inu, but among them, Akita dogs are considered the most loyal and gentle. At 0:47 in the video, you can see the bronze statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya station in Tokyo, where he waited for his master every day, for nearly 10 years after his master had already passed away. His loyalty is still praised today. The original Akita dog was bred as the Akita Matagi (a hunting dog), but the number of Akita dogs has declined dramatically in recent years due to the growing popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs and other indoor breeds. However, in recent years, the Akita has begun to attract attention again! There was a news that an Akita dog was sent as a gift to the Russian figure skater gold medalist Alina Zagitova, and she named it "Masaru." In addition to Zagitova, many foreigners have become fascinated by the Akita, and more and more people are adopting them as pets. Source :YouTube screenshot The city of Odate in Akita Prefecture, the birthplace of the Akita dog, is also working to promote the dog's appeal to a wider audience. They visit nursing homes and elementary schools to allow communities to interact with them. You can see this at 2:10 in the video. In Odate, you can also visit Akita Inu no Sato (Akita Dog Visitor Center) and interact with the dogs. Summary of the Cute and Gentle Akita Dogs Photo：Akita Dog The video, "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs," produced by "JVT Channel" is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs. Although the number of Akita dogs is decreasing due to the popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs, the Akita is by far the cutest and most loyal. They are loyal to their owners, and their gentle nature attracts many people. If you're a dog lover, this video is a must watch!

More About Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko- A Protected Species in Japan The video featured this time is called "It looks like a lizard but it's not?!" It was created by "Toranosuke's Creature Movies" and it shows a close up look at the Kuroiwa gecko, a protected species. Kuroiwa's ground gecko, also known as the Okinawan ground gecko, is a member of the Eublepharinae family (トカゲモドキ科, tokagemodokika) of geckos. These geckos belong to the order Squamata, suborder Sauria, infraorder Gekkota, family Eublepharinae and genus Goniurosaurus (爬虫類有鱗目トカゲ亜目ヤモリ下目トカゲモドキ科トカゲモドキ属, hachuurui yuurinmoku tokageamoku yamorikamoku tokagemodokika), as do the common leopard geckos (レオパードゲッコー, reopaadogekko) who are often kept as pets. The Eublepharinae family of geckos is a group of primitive geckos endemic to the island of Tokunoshima (徳之島) in Kagoshima prefecture (鹿児島県, kagoshimaken). They differ from other geckos in that they have eyelids, allowing them to close their eyes. Due to their underdeveloped feet, they cannot climb walls as well as other geckos. As with other geckos, if they lose their tail it can grow back again. An adult gecko is roughly 15-18cm in length, weighs roughly 7-17g and spawns in the warmer months from May to August. They usually lay 2 eggs at a time, in one month intervals. In this video, you will have the rare opportunity to observe Kuroiwa's ground geckos in the wild. Did you know such a cute creature inhabited Japan? Please take the time to enjoy our video! Japan's Effort to Protect This Endangered Species Photo：Kuroiwa ground gecko Kuroiwa's ground geckos live deep in the mountains and can’t be seen in Naha (那覇) or other big cities in Okinawa. Due to deforestation and loss of habitat, the number of Kuroiwa ground geckos has decreased in recent years. Kuroiwa's ground geckos are carnivorous, feeding on mainly insects and ground worms. Due to their nocturnal nature, you can't spot them during the daylight hours. They are often referred to as Jihab or Ashihab by Okinawan people, and in the past they were wrongly believed to be poisonous. The Kuroiwa ground geckos found in southern Okinawa (in the area surrounding Naha Airport) have a straight line pattern down their back, whereas the geckos found in northern Okinawa (in the mountainous regions) have slightly different markings. You can see this distinct straight line pattern clearly at 0:58 and 4:34 in the video. There are also subspecies of the Kuroiwa ground gecko found in Okinawa, each with their own unique and interesting markings. Due to their collectability as pets, in the past they were poached and sold at a high price by foreigners. In Japan they are designated as a protected species and therefore hunting and breeding of them is prohibited by law. Preventing the Overhunting of Japan's Protected Species According to the Washington Convention's rules regarding business transactions of wild animals, the illegal hunting of protected species is prohibited in Japan. Due to the rules of this treaty, endangered species in Japan are required to be actively protected. Since being designated as a protected species in Japan, two subspecies of Kuroiwa ground geckos: Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui (ケラマトカゲモドキ, keramatokagemodoki) and Goniurosaurus kuroiwae toyamai (イヘヤトカゲモドキ, iheyatokagemodoki), have been added to the critically endangered list of reptiles by the Japanese Ministry for the Environment. However, that isn't the only problem threatening Kuroiwa ground geckos. Non-native species such as mongooses, dogs, cats and the American bullfrog are common predators of Kuroiwa's ground gecko and are contributing to their dwindling numbers. Summary of the Kuroiwa Ground Gecko Source :YouTube screenshot The protected species, Kuroiwa ground gecko, which is often amicably nicknamed the 'living dinosaur,' is a lizard rarely spotted in the wild in Okinawa but can be seen clearly in this video. At 1:48 in the video, you can see their movements in detail as one gecko moves slowly across the forest floor. Please enjoy watching the rare footage of this living fossil!

The Japanese Dormouse This video, titled "Chino Legacy - A Chino Legacy to Leave to the Future - #16 'Japanese Dormouse'" (茅野レガシー～未来に残したい茅野遺産～#16「ヤマネ」), introduces the cute Japanese dormouse, an endemic species of Japan designated a nationally protected species. The Japanese dormouse is a rodent found in Yatsugatake, which straddle Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, as well as in low mountains and subalpine areas throughout Japan. During hibernation, the Japanese dormouse crawls into private warehouses and cottages to curl up and take shelter. so there is a possibility of encountering them unexpectedly. About the Japanese Dormouse Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese dormouse is a small mammal that belongs to the order Rodentia along with squirrels and other rodents, and is of the family Gliridae, and Glirinae genus. As you can see from 0:10 in the video, it has a cute appearance with its round eyes and soft fur. Because it's designated as a nationally protected species, it is forbidden to catch them or keep them as pets. They are 6 to 8 centimeters long, with black vertical stripes along their backs and a bushy tail. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects and fruits. They are often found running around the forest in preparation for winter. As you can see from 1:19 in the video, they nest in tree trunks and cracks in rocks and can race up trees using their sharp claws. It is a very agile animal that can hang on thin branches and jump from branch to branch. They are nocturnal creatures that live in trees, so you won’t encounter them often; however, during winter, you may see them curled up on the ground hibernating. They are also called "Ball Mice" or "Ice Mice" based on their curled up appearance. A hibernating Japanese dormouse sleeps so peacefully that even if you rolled them around, they would not wake up. You can see a curled-up Japanese dormouse hibernating at 2:07 in the video. In spring, they return to their natural habitat in the mountains. The Japanese Dormouse - A "Living Fossil" Photo：Excavating fossils Fossils of Japanese dormice have been excavated from the strata of Europe and Japan from 50 million and 20 million years ago, respectively. In other words, it is believed that the Japanese dormouse has existed on Earth since about 50 million years ago, after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This would have been during the Cenozoic Era, a time when ammonites and marine reptiles became extinct, and mammals and birds prospered. This of course means that they existed long before humans came to be. Because the Japanese dormouse has not changed in ecology or form since these ancient times, it is referred to as a living fossil. After the advent of mankind, the Japanese dormouse was recorded as a delicacy eaten by noblemen in Roman times. They would put Japanese dormice in vases and fatten them up with nuts and then cook them. They were eaten on a daily basis as appetizers or desserts. The Japanese Dormouse as a Pet Photo：Japanese Dormouse Due to the Japanese dormouse being designated as a nationally protected species, it is not allowed to have them as pets in Japan. However, you will see types of dormice from Europe or Asia in pet shops. When keeping them as pets, having a nesting box, drinking water, bedding materials, and a running wheel should suffice. When they begin hibernation, they sleep for half of the year, earning them the name "Sleeping Mice"; be sure to arrange their living quarters so you can see them sleeping! When they wake up from hibernation, it's mating season and they attract females with high-pitched calls. If you keep them as a pair, be aware that breeding occurs during this period. Summary of the Living Fossil - The Japanese Dormouse Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about the cute Japanese dormouse? We hope you were able to learn more about the biology of the Japanese dormouse, a once semi-endangered species and protected species in Japan. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see footage of this cute critter!

This video, titled "Tobu Zoo [Saitama Prefecture Official Sightseeing Videos]" (東武動物公園【埼玉県公式観光動画】), was released by "ChokotabiSaitama." In this video, you can see what's going on in Tobu Zoo in Saitama Prefecture. It introduces scenes of Monkey Mountain and lunchtime for the elephants. The white tigers are both cute and powerful, and you can enjoy their exhibits. Be sure to check them out in the video!

The Rare Oriental White Stork at Hyogo Park! This video, titled "Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork," released by "ibukivideo," shows rare footage of the Oriental Stork. Japan was once home to wild Oriental storks; however, they disappeared from the skies of Japan in 1971... The last habitat of the Oriental stork in Japan is Hyogo Prefecture's Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork, which can be seen at 0:44 in the video. Here, the public and private sectors work together on stork research projects. The Oriental stork is also designated as the prefectural bird of Hyogo Prefecture. In this article, we''ll take a look at Hyogo Prefecture's efforts to breed the Oriental stork. Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork Source :YouTube screenshot Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork is a research facility for storks located in Shounji, Toyooka, Hyogo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. You can learn about the research on Oriental storks at the Kounotori Stork Sanctuary which is attached to Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork and can be seen at 1:11 in the video. Be sure to stop by the nature observation and learning zone where you can observe the ecology of storks, and "Kounotori Honpo," a Toyooka City Community Exchange Center where you can purchase stork related merchandise. In addition, there are also research facilities that breed storks, such as the Nature Acclimation Zone, the Stork Conservation and Propagation Center, and the Nature Zone. About the Oriental Stork - Ecology and Feeding Habits Photo：An oriental stork eating fish The Oriental stork is an endangered species of bird in the family Ciconiidae, order Ciconiiformes, and genus Ciconia and is an internationally valuable bird. They are distributed throughout Asia, measuring 110 cm in length, weighing between 3 and 5 kg, and are characterized by their appearance similar to that of a crane. There are many folklore stories about storks bringing babies into the world. In Japan, the storks once lived in the rice paddies and rivers of the mountains and woodlands. As you can see at 2:35 in the video, their nests are approximately 1 metre wide. Their diet consists of fish and insects. Adult storks do not have a well-developed vocal system, so they cannot be heard except when they are chicks. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the number of storks in Japan was drastically reduced due to over-hunting, and besides a few protected individuals in the Tajima area of Hyogo Prefecture and the Wakasa area of Fukui Prefecture, they were hunted to extinction. In 1908, a ban on hunting the Oriental stork was put in place, and its habitat was designated as a national natural monument in 1921. The lifespan of the stork is said to be over 30 years; however, it is not yet known how long they live for in the wild. Summary of the Oriental White Stork Photo：The Oriental White Stork At Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork, a project is underway to help storks return to the skies of Japan. In 2005, a test release of storks was carried out in order to reintroduce them into the wild, and in 2007, they succeeded in breeding wild storks in the field. Now roughly 80 storks have returned to the skies. In addition to the storks bred at Hyogo Park of Oriental White Stork, Osaka Tennoji Zoo and the Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park in Aichi have also succeeded in breeding storks. If this article has piqued your interest in the Oriental stork, be sure to visit Hyogo Park of Oriental White Stork to learn all about the beautiful bird! ◆Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork Facility Overview ◆ 【Address】128 Nigatani, Shounji, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture 668-0814 【Access】A 40 minute walk from the Kyoto Tanetsu Railway "Konotori no Sato" Station 【Hours】9:00～17:00 【Admission Fee】None 【Parking】Free parking available 【Telephone】0796-23-5666 【Official Website】Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork http://www.stork.u-hyogo.ac.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022822-d1384701-Reviews-Hyogo_Park_of_the_Oriental_White_Stork-Toyooka_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html

This video, released by "Adventure World Offical Channel" (アドベンチャーワールド公式チャンネル), is titled "Adventure World 2020 Promotional Video" (アドベンチャーワールド　2020年プロモーション映像). Adventure World is a theme park that combines a zoo, an aquarium and an amusement park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. The representative animal of Adventure World is the giant panda. The "Panda Love" facility where pandas live has Ouhin, Touhin, Saihin. At Marine World, there is a dolphin show, and at the safari area, you can get up close and personal with both herbivores and carnivores, such as lions and zebras. On the other hand, Play Zone, an amusement park facility, has a popular big adventure coaster for adults and children alike.

The Tsushima Leopard Cat - An Endangered Species This video, titled "[Japanese Cats] Ecology of the Tsushima Leopard Cat｜Wild Cat｜Protected Species (Tsushima Leopard Cat)," was produced by “Orange Animal Channel” (オレンジ動物チャンネル). It introduces the endangered Tsushima Leopard Cat. The animal introduced in this footage lives only in the wooded forest area around Tsushima in Nagasaki prefecture. It is a very rare wild cat. Photo：Tsushima leopard cat What is the Tsushima Leopard Cat? The Tsushima cat is classified as a member of the Carnivora order of cats, and its head-to-body length can reach up to about 50 cm for the larger cats. It's safe to say that they are about the same size as house cats. Since 1997, thanks to conservation efforts by the Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center, surveys have been held and artificial breeding carried out at the Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden. In this video, you'll see a plump Tsushima Leopard Cat. The weight of the wild cats is about 5 kg give or take, and being carnivorous, they mainly feed on small mammals and reptiles. Their life expectancy is around 10 years. Presently, they are designated as an endangered species and a nationally protected species, so they cannot be pets without authorization. You can see the Tsushima Leopard Cat energetically playing around in its cage in the footage. It is a very cute sight to see but every once in a while it looks at you with a piercing gaze, reminding you that while they may be cute, they also want their distance. Source :YouTube screenshot The Life and Characteristics of the Tsushima Leopard Cat Tsushima, the habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, is an island in Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region. Most of the island is covered by forest, which is ideal for the nocturnal, solitary Tsushima leopard cat. The difference between stray cats and feral cats is that strays were abandoned or lost and became feral, while wild cats have preserved their species in their long history without depending on humans. At first glance, the Tsushima cat looks very similar to a house cat. However, they have a pattern on the back of their ear called ocelli, which is only seen on wild cats. From 8:49 in the video, you can see the Tsushima Leopard Cat relaxing and staying still, so keep your eyes open for the ocelli pattern. Although wildcats are widely distributed across the Asian continent, the Tsushima leopard cat is said to have its roots in a subspecies of the Bengal wildcat. In addition to the Tsushima leopard cat and Bengal wildcat, Asia is home to the Iriomote wildcat, the lynx, the Korean wildcat, and the Manchurian wildcat, but their populations are all believed to be in decline. Photo：Tsushima, Nagasaki Why Is the Tsushima Leopard Cat an Endangered Species? You might be asking yourself, "How did the cute Tsushima leopard cat's population decline to the point of being listed as an endangered species?" The video also explains the five reasons for the decline in the Tsushima leopard cat's numbers from around 4:57 onwards, and sadly, one of the reasons is humans. This includes when they are trapped and die as a result of vermin control, or when they die in traffic accidents. Photo：Tsushima leopard cat Efforts to Conserve the Tsushima Leopard Cat Going Forward Since 1997, efforts to conserve the Tsushima Leopard Cat have been carried out by the Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center, and from 2007, artificial breeding has been conducted at domestic zoos, such as the Kyoto Municipal Zoo. Their adorable appearance has been shown on the news and other media, and they became a hot topic of conversation when they were featured at zoos and conservation centers. Currently, in order to prevent its extinction, efforts to conserve the Tsushima cat are expanding with the sale of goods, such as plush toys and the production of Tsushima leopard cat rice. It's important for us to be aware of the importance of coexisting with nature to prevent the extinction of the lovely Tsushima cat, which can only be found in Japan. 【Official Website】Domestic Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora｜The Tsushima Leopard Cat http://kyushu.env.go.jp/twcc/report/pam/leaflet/index.html

Video introduction of herring spawning "Gunrai" in Rumoi County, Hokkaido This video, titled "The Sea Turned White?! Drone Footage of a Pacific Herring Swarm!" (海が白くなる!? ニシン群来のドローン撮影に成功！), was uploaded by "Hidemi Imai" (今井秀美). In Obira, Hokkaido, the blue sea is dyed white as if milk has been spilled in it. This phenomenon is caused by herring swarms, which occurs when herring (in this case pacific herring), a fish heralding the arrival of spring in Hokkaido, spawn and fertilize eggs. A video shot from the sky captures the phenomenon that looks like a white sash on the blue sea. Large schools of pacific herring come to Obira to spawn, and you can see the beauty of life as they flop about the surface of the water. Check out the video to see the pacific herring swarm up close! What Kind of Place is Obira? Obira is a small town in western Hokkaido with a population of just a few thousand. It's located a few hours north of Sapporo via train, making it a bit of an out-of-the-way destination, but it's home to many tourist attractions. There are golf courses and surf spots, as well as facilities for learning about the local culture. In addition, there are ski resorts that can be enjoyed during the winter months, and campsites that can be visited during the summer. Obira is a nice destination to check out if you're looking for things to do in Hokkaido that are a bit more off the beaten path. Information about the Pacific Herring and the Causes and Conditions for Swarms in Hokkaido, Japan Photo：Pacific herring spawning The pacific herring (scientific name: clupea pallasii) is a silvery-white fish found mostly in the Pacific Ocean. Pacific herring are generally 30-35 cm (12-13 inches) long but can grow as large as 45 cm (~17.5 inches). Pacific herring feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton, and their natural predators are salmon, whales, seabirds, etc. Every year from February to March, the coast of the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido turns a milky white color. The pacific herring come to the coast in large numbers during spring, so much so, that they are said to herald the arrival of spring in Hokkaido. In the world of haiku, a type of Japanese poetry, the word "Nishin Kuki" (鰊群来, herring coming in large schools) is a seasonal word to symbolize spring. Herring swarms occur when herring come to the coast to spawn and fertilize eggs. The white colors are a phenomenon that occurs when males simultaneously fertilize eggs that have been laid on seaweed. In 1954, after being observed along the coast from Yoichi to Oshoro, a 20km stretch on the peninsula northwest of Sapporo, the pacific herring swarms were not observed again for many years. It wasn't until 1999 that the pacific herring swarms were observed in the area, for the first time in 45 years. In order for the herring swarms to occur, two conditions must be met: the sea must be calm during the herring spawning season, and the water temperature must be relatively high, around 5 degrees Celsius. In addition, the herring swarms seem more likely to occur on cloudy days from February to April. When and Where to See the Pacific Herring Swarms Source :YouTube screenshot The herring swarms are a phenomenon seen during the spawning season, which, for the pacific herring in Japan, is from late January to early May, and February to March is said to be the most active season. In addition, since spawning often takes place at night, the ocean can be seen turning milky white around dawn, disappearing around noon. This means that you have a higher chance of seeing the phenomenon during the morning. The places where herring swarms can be seen are the coasts of Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan and within Ishikari Bay. In Otaru, herring is synonymous with spring. If you want to see the herring swarms, we recommend visiting the Otaru coast from February to March! However, because it's a natural phenomenon, it's not always possible to see the pacific herring swarms, even if you visit at the right time and place. That being said, it's still worth a try to see the incredible sight. Delicious, Seasonal Pacific Herring Recipes! Photo：Nishin soba In Hokkaido, which is famous for herring production, there are various ways to eat delicious seasonal herring. Pacific herring are considered to be in season only in spring, but it's said that they are also in season in autumn. In Japan, pacific herring are processed in many different ways. Some of these are herring roe, kombu-maki (kelp rolls), nuka nishin (herring in rice-bran paste), and migaki nishin (dried and sliced herring). One of the rarest products is frozen herring stuffed with mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Migaki nishin is famous for its use in nishin soba (a bowl of soba topped with a dried herring), a specialty of Kyoto. In addition, we also recommend carpaccio, which is made by cutting the fish into three pieces and pouring a seasoning mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper over the meat. The herring and pumpkin pie from Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service" is another dish that tastes even better when made with pacific herring caught during season in Hokkaido. If you like cooking, we recommend trying a simple recipe, which requires just some cooked herring, vegetable paste, white sauce, and cheese inside a pie topping, and then baking. Seaweed With Roe From the Pacific Herring Photo：Komochi kombu When herring come to the shallows to spawn in large schools, they lay their eggs on seaweed. Because the eggs are sticky, they tend to adhere to seaweed, such as kombu (edible kelp) and wakame seaweed. Originally, natural seaweeds on which the eggs were laid naturally were harvested, but due to a decrease in catches, there are fewer and fewer of them. Therefore, seaweed is now hung where the pacific herring will pass by to encourage spawning. The result of pickling these seaweeds in salt creates 2 delicious types of seaweed called komochi kombu and komochi wakame. They are often used in festive New Year's dishes in Japan to bring good luck. Summary of Herring Swarms and Spawning in Hokkaido The pacific herring swarms resemble a milky white sash fluttering in the blue sea. The contrast between the blue and white colors allows for some vivid photography as well. It's fascinating to think that this phenomenon occurs when large schools of herring gather to spawn and release their sperm in order to procreate. If you're traveling to Hokkaido in February and March during spring, consider visiting the coast of Otaru. If you're lucky, you may be able to see the herring swarms, a mysterious phenomenon of life.

An Introduction to Northern Pika! This is a video on the ecology of Northern Pika, an endangered species in Hokkaido. The video, titled "Keep it up! Northern Pika - He can do his best. Pika" (頑張れ！エゾナキウサギ　He can do his best. Pika), was released by "Shinji Kawamura." The Northern Pika, is a small mammal of the ochotonidae family, and its identifying characteristic is its high pitched cry. In Japan, they only live in high lands like Mt. Daisetsu, Mt. Yubari, and Mt. Hidaka in Hokkaido. Their distinct high pitched cry can be seen in the video from 1:09. The Northern Pika is said to have arrived in Japan from the Siberian continent during the ice age. In this video, you can see the lives of cute, wild Northern Pika. Please enjoy the video showing the ecology of Northern Pika. What is the Northern Pika? Photo：Northern Pika The Northern Pika is also called the "God of Rocky Lands" due to its habit of running around the rocky land of their natural habitat. Hokkaido’s aboriginal Ainu people used to call the Northern Pika "Cicit Cu Kamuy" (チチッ・チュ・カムイ, roughly "The Cheeping God") in Ainu language. The mouse-like Northern Pika is very small, weighing only about 60-150 grams, with a length of 10-20 cm, and a lifespan of about 4-5 years, which is shorter than most pika. They are full of curiosity but very timid, so they are very rarely seen in public. Their natural habitat is the cold wind caves of the Daisetsuzan mountains located high above sea level that don't freeze during the winter. In Japan, these critters are also known to only inhabit Hokkaido. Their breeding period is once a year from spring to summer, and they give birth to 1 to 5 kittens at a time. How Northern Pika Survive Winter The Northern Pika is entirely vegetarian, feeding on every plant in the mountains and is sometimes called "the pacifist of the mountains." In the video from 0:42, there is a scene of an Northern Pika with leaves in its mouth. Northern Pika do not hibernate so they must make winter preparations before the snow piles up. This involves stocking their houses with food. They have the intelligence to dry plants such as leaves, turning it into a dry-grass-preserved food which allows them to survive up to 6 months of harsh winter. They store about a bucketful of food in each of the several locations in their territory. You can see this in the video from 1:49. Where Can I See Northern Pika? Photo：Beautiful Autumn Leaves at Daisetsuzan Northern Pika live in only limited parts of Hokkaido, so the possibility of encountering them is very low. If you do mountain climbing or participate in nature tours and go to photo points, you may have a chance to see them. Northern Pika only live in the wild, and it is said that they cannot be raised in zoos and laboratories. It is also impossible to keep them as pets. If you are attracted to the cute Northern Pika, we recommend that you buy a plush toy or photo book as a souvenir of your trip to Hokkaido. Summary of the Northern Pika In the introductory video, you can see scenes of Northern Pika running around busily searching for food. There's something soothing about looking at this little critter squeaking about. These animals are hard to find in the wild, so be sure to take the time to check out the videos and enjoy their cuteness!

Shiba Inu - The Only Small Dog Among Japanese Dogs Photo：A Shiba Inu standing in a rice field This video, titled "No.7 Shiba inu ❤️ TOP100 Cute Dog Breeds Video," was uploaded by "I want a dog! A dog channel for beginners." This video introduces the cute Shiba Inu, including everything from their personality to how much exercise they need, as well as things to know before owning one. Be sure to check it out as you read along. The History of the Shiba Inu, a Dog Native to Japan Photo：A Mino Shiba Inu Of the six types of dogs native to Japan (Japanese dogs), the Shiba Inu is the only small Japanese dog. It's said that the origins of the Shiba Inu may originate from the "Jomon Inu," which is said to have coexisted with humans as early as the Jomon Period (710-794). The Shiba Inu has been kept as a hunting dog for small animals and birds in various parts of Honshu (mainland Japan) since ancient times. It's said that 80% of all Japanese dogs kept in Japan are Shiba Inu. There are several types of Shiba Inu, including the San'in Shiba Inu, Shinshu Shiba Inu, and Mino Shiba Inu, but the Shinshu Shiba Inu lineage currently accounts for the majority. Unfortunately, there is only a small number of Shiba Inu, and some breeds are in danger of extinction. The Shiba Inu was also in danger of extinction due to crossbreeding with Western dogs at the end of the Taisho Period (1912-1926), food shortages during World War II, and distemper (a viral disease found in domestic animals), but thanks to the efforts of people wishing to preserve the breed, breeding improved and the Shiba Inu is still around today. In recent years, research has shown that the Shiba Inu is the closest dog breed to the wolf. [Video] 2:23 - The History of the Shiba Inu [Video] 2:53 - The Shiba Inu - The Closest Dog Breed to a Wolf? The 2 Kinds of Shiba Inu Faces - Fox Face and Raccoon Face Photo：A fox face Shiba Inu There are two main types of Shiba Inu faces: The fox face, and the raccoon face. The fox face is characterized by a long, stern face, a long muzzle (the part around the dog's mouth), and a shallow forehead. This type is similar to the ancestral dogs of the Jomon period. The raccoon face is characterized by a round face, short muzzle, and a round nose and eyes, more modern characteristics. It can be difficult to tell which face a Shibu Inu has when they are puppies, so you'll need to check the pedigree with the breeder. [Video] 0:53 - Shiba Inu Face Types The 4 Different Coat Colors of Shiba Inu Photo：A black-coated Shiba Inu In addition to their different face types, Shiba Inu have 4 different coat colors: These are red, black, sesame, and white. ●Red (Brown) The red coat accounts for 80% of all Shiba Inu, and when most people think of a Shiba Inu, they tend to picture this coat color. ●Black The black coat covers the entire body of the Shiba Inu, with the chest and belly often being white. The black color is also characterized by the eyebrow-like spots above the eyes. The color makes their bodies look tighter, giving them a dignified appearance in spite of their small size. ●White White is the rarest color of Shiba Inu. Some dogs are born with a red coat, but it gradually changes to white. Because of its rarity, until recently it was not uncommon for a pedigree to be issued for a white Shiba, but there have been some cases where the color has been recognized at exhibitions. ●Sesame This coat color is a mixture of red, black, and white, and is classified as sesame, red sesame, or black sesame according to the ratio of these colors. As they develop, the ratio of the coat color changes, and you can enjoy watching your Shiba Inu grow. Besides red (brown), other coat colors are quite uncommon. [Video] 1:40 - Shiba Inu Coat Colors Shiba Inu Size, Weight, and Other Characteristics + The Unique Mame-Shiba Photo：A Shiba Inu's tail The Shiba Inu's outward appearance is characterized by its dense, stiff short hair and curly tail. It's said that there are nine different types of tails, so be sure to pay attention to the shape of the tail as well as the face and coat color. The average life span of a Shiba Inu is 15.1 years. It's a long-lived breed among small dogs. The average height of a Shiba Inu is 39.5 cm (15.5 in) for males and 36.5 cm (~14.5 in) for females, and the average weight is 10 kg (22 lbs) for males and 8 kg (~17.5 lbs) for females. The "Mame Shiba," which has become popular in Japan in recent years, is smaller than the standard Shiba, with an average large height of 28 cm to 34 cm (11-13.5 in) and an average weight of around 5 kg (11 lbs). The even smaller "Ko-Mame Shiba" is about 24 cm long (~9.5 in) and weighs about 2 kg (~4.5 lbs), so even as an adult it looks like a puppy and is popular for its adorable appearance. Neither the Mame Shiba nor the Ko-Mame Shiba are recognized as official breeds, but rather, are considered to be small Shiba Inu. Their personalities and how they are cared for are the same as that of regular Shiba Inu, but because of their smaller size, they are said to be a little more pampered than their regular Shiba Inu counterparts. [Video] 3:23 - How Big is a Shiba Inu? Things to Know Before Caring for a Shiba Inu Photo：A sleeping Shiba Inu Before committing to raising a Shiba Inu, it's important to first learn about their personalities. Shiba Inu are said to be smart and loyal, and tend to be affectionate to no one but their owners. They are also stubborn and cautious, so socialization training is important. Shiba Inu should be trained to avoid barking and biting when they are puppies. By way of gender comparison, females are more docile than males. To develop a sociable personality, it's important to expose them to other dogs and people outside the family from a young age, and to familiarize them with various places. Additionally, because Shiba Inu are very territorial and susceptible to stress, it's important to give them their space. If you keep your dog indoors, you should prepare an enclosure for it, and if you keep it outside, you should provide a kennel. If you keep your dog outside, place the kennel on soil, not concrete, to avoid heat stroke. [Video] 4:15 - How to Take Care of a Shiba Inu How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need? Photo：A Shiba Inu walking The Shiba Inu was originally a hunting dog, and as such, is a very athletic breed. For an adult dog, it's sometimes said that the ideal exercise distance is equal to the dog's body weight (e.g. 10 kg = 10 km), but if you continue to exercise your dog every day, long distances may be difficult for both you and your dog to keep up. A good starting point is to exercise the dog for 30 minutes, twice a day, every day. Sinec every dog varies, if your dog seems to be under stress due to lack of exercise, then you should be sure to take it on more walks, and give it more opportunities for exercise. [Video] 5:16 - How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need? How Much Does it Cost to Own a Shiba Inu Photo：A Shiba Inu If you wish to own a Shiba Inu, you can adopt a rescue, or purchase one from a pet store. According to the American Kennel Club, the average price for a Shiba Inu tends to be around $2,000-$4,000. The price can also vary depending on the color of the coat. Common diseases that Shiba Inu are prone to include skin diseases (atopic dermatitis)" and food allergies, as well as dementia, patellar luxation, cataracts, and otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal). although it can be difficult because of the large amount of hair that falls out, because Shiba Inu are especially prone to skin diseases, it's important to keep their bodies clean and brush them carefully when they are shedding. Compared to many other breeds, the Shiba Inu is said to be relatively disease-free. However, you should not let your guard down, so be on the lookout for changes on a daily basis. [Video] 2:10 - Where to Get a Shiba Inu [Video] 5:57 - Diseases Shiba Inu Are Prone To Summary of the Shiba Inu Photo：A sleeping Shiba Inu If you're thinking about caring for a Shiba Inu, it's important to understand its personality, socialize it properly, and provide it with an appropriate environment. [Video] 6:56 - Shiba Inu Review ・Shiba Inu have a history of being hunting dogs, so you should not think of them as pets. ・Shiba Inu are known to bite, so it's important to train them after adopting one. ・Shiba Inu shed a lot of fur and are prone to skin diseases, so be sure to keep them clean and brush them frequently when they are shedding. ・Shiba Inu need a lot of exercise, so they should be walked daily. Be careful not to overwork them. ・Japanese dogs are prone to dementia. Shiba Inu are smart and loyal to their owners. It's important to understand their characteristics and traits so that you can live together with them for a long time.