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Video article 3:16
The Yamane (Japanese Dormouse) – A Look at One of Japan's Cutest Protected Species Running Around and Playing!
Living Things- 4.75K plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 3:01
The Northern Pika of Japan: Learn About the Cute Critter Known as the "God of Rocky Lands" and Found in the Outdoors of Hokkaido. Also See Its Characteristic High-Pitched Cry!
Living Things- 2.62K plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 1:30
The Oniyanma: Amazing Footage of Japan's Largest Dragonfly! See It Molting and Laying Eggs in Nature...
Living Things- 1.66K plays
- YouTube
The Oniyanma - Japan's Largest Dragonfly! This video, titled "Oniyanma (The Largest in Japan)" (オニヤンマ(日本最大)), introduces the oniyanma, a large dragonfly belonging to the Cordulegastridae family and Odonata order. The massive dragonfly has an abdominal length of 7 cm for males and 8 cm for female. Those that inhabit Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido), Yakushima Island (屋久島, Yakushima), etc., have a tendency to be smaller. Their eyes are a bright emerald green color, but change color when they are made into specimens. Their body is black with a yellow pattern and fine horizontal stripe at each section. They are compared with sieboldius albardae (ko-oniyanma), but these belong to the Gomphidae family, and are different from oniyanma in that their compound eyes are placed separately on both sides of their head, and their larvae are flat and disk-shaped and live on stones at the bottoms of rivers. Oniyanma - Distribution and Habits Photo:Oniyanma Oniyanma are widely distributed throughout Japan, mainly around streams, riverbanks, outskirts of forests and mountainous areas, but they can also be seen on the plains and in urban areas when it is cooler. International visitors may be surprised to find them in urban areas because of their very large area of activity. When you find a female oniyanma, you can catch it by taking advantage of its habit of stopping its movement and hovering. Male Oniyanma consider anything that flaps its wings to be female, so if you hold a fan or other wind-producing object in front of the male, it will stop moving. If you're a bug collector, you can use this as a reference when collecting! The Life Cycle of Oniyanma Photo:Oniyama Patrol Oniyanma are carnivorous, feeding on moths, flies, and other small flying insects. Their natural predators are birds, bats, etc. They can bite humans as well, so be careful. Male oniyanma mate with females they meet while patrolling their territory. After mating, the female will go to a clean river or puddle to lay her eggs. Upon finding a suitable location, oniyanma perform a unique spawning display in which they will drop to the surface of the water while standing up and flying. You can see a female oniyanma laying eggs at 0:30 in the video. They spawn by thrusting their ovipositor into the mud in the water. Photo:An oniyama hatching Eggs hatch about 1 month after being laid, and the larvae are called nymphs. Nymphs are a translucent white with no wings and a short abdomen. They burrow into the mud to lie in wait for food to pass. When they are young, they feed on water fleas, mosquito larvae, etc., but as they grow older they begin feeding on tadpoles, small fish, etc. In addition, they feed on each other as well as nymphs of other species and, as a result, only the strong survive. It takes five years for them to become adults, and they molt about ten times before reaching this stage. Eventually, compound eyes pop out and the mouth part of the molt becomes a unique face as if they were wearing masks. Eventually, scaly wings form on their backs, and on a sunny summer day, they climb up from the bottom of the water to a stone or pile on the surface of the water and their backs split open and they emerge as adults. Immediately after hatching, their wings are white and shrunken, but over night, the black and yellow pattern appears and the wings solidify. You can amazing footage of an oniyanma molting at 0:58 in the video. After emerging as adults, they continuously feed for about a month before mating. The total life span of an oniyanma is 5-6 years. Summary of Oniyanma- Japan's Largest Dragonfly Photo:An adult oniyanma emerging Did you enjoy learning about the oniyanma, the largest dragonfly in Japan? Footage of them laying eggs is quite rare, so if you still haven't yet, be sure to check it out! -
Video article 4:19
Koi Are Often Called "Swimming Jewels" and "Swimming Art" in Japan... A Look at the Secrets of These Beautiful Aquarium Fish, Including the Different Varieties and Their Characteristics!
Living Things Life & Business- 930 plays
- YouTube
Koi Carp: Loved by the Japanese Since Long Ago This video is called ‘Koi Carp 〜Swimming Art〜 (錦鯉 〜泳ぐ芸術〜)’ and made by JVT Channel (JVTチャンネル). The video shows you colorful koi swimming elegantly. Koi are aquarium fish with a long history. Historical records show koi being used as the inspiration for painting patterns of items exhibited at expos during the Taisho Period (1912~1926). They are actually an invasive species to Japan. The specially bred fish have been bred into many different varieties. Koi are kept as aquarium fish in aquariums and ponds within Japanese gardens. Their characteristics are their beautiful patterns and striking colors. The average size of these fish is between 30 and 60 cm and their life span is around 30 years. Let’s take a look at why these fish are so attractive. The video shows you a koi farm and a competition that you don’t get an opportunity to see often. Be sure to check it out while reading this article. What Are Koi? Photo:Koi Koi were originally called "irogoi" (色鯉, colored carp), hanagoi (花鯉, flower carp), and "moyougoi" (模様鯉, patterned carp) in Japanese. They started to be called Nishikigoi (錦鯉, brocade carp) because of their luxurious designs reminiscent of a brocade. The Japanese brocade shown at 0:14 in the documentary video is a Japanese traditional silk fabric made by weaving variously colored threads. Koi were originally eaten as a food, then, one day, a unique fish with beautiful patterns appeared. There are many kinds of koi, such as red and white and tri-colored koi with red, white, and black. In addition to the Taisho Sanshoku (tri-color) and the Showa Sanshoku, there are some unusually colored ones, such as light yellow, autumn Green, tortoise shell patterned koi, reflective koi, five Colored koi, and gold and Peacock koi as well. How Are Koi Looked After? Source :YouTube screenshot It takes a lot of work to raise beautiful Nishikigoi. The Dainichi Koi Farm in Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Koshinetsu region, farms koi. At the farm, they strictly control water temperature and quality, as well as feeding schedules. They put great care into raising beautiful koi. They are also very particular about the feed given to their koi. This can be seen from 1:13 in the video. From 1:37, you can see many baby koi as well. Hiroshi Mano from Dainichi Koi Farm says in the interview, "The most important things are maintaining proper water temperature and quality. Beautiful koi are strong, healthy koi. From 3:27 in the video, you can see the annual National Koi Competition. Koi from the Dainichi Koi Farm were the winners of this competition. How to Get Your Very Own Japanese Koi There are many kinds of koi. In Japan, many people love koi. Koi with patterns or beautiful colors are sold at auctions for sometimes astronomically high prices. Furthermore, you can buy specially bred varieties of koi at online shops and Yahoo Japan Auctions, but they usually go for quite a bit of money. Some orders for Japanese koi come from overseas. The number of koi exported overseas is increasing year by year. Popular koi have been used as a motifs in traditional Japanese crafts as well. We recommend buying plates and chopstick holders with koi pattern designs. Summary of Japan's "Swimming Jewels" Photo:Koi In Japan, there are many kinds of aquarium fish, such as goldfish and Japanese rice fish. Among them, koi are loved by many people for their jewel-like beauty. Koi are born around Niigata Prefecture area. You can learn the history and the characteristics of koi at Nishikigoi no Sato in Niigata, the birthplace of koi, and at Fukuoka Koinosato Park in Fukuoka-machi, Toyama Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, which is one of Japan’s most famous koi production towns. If you have a large landscape garden or a large aquarium and would like some koi of your own, try searching online or try out some auction sites to see if they have what you're looking for. You can see many koi with beautiful patterns in the video. Be sure to check out the video to enjoy the beauty of Japan's "swimming jewels." -
Video article 2:55
The Japanese Green Pheasant: The National Bird of Japan, Its Majestic Silhouette and Bright Red Wattle Are Fascinating!
Living Things- 525 plays
- YouTube
The Wild Japanese Green Pheasant "A Family of Pheasants" (キジの一家), created by "Nyanta8355," is a video of a family of Japanese green pheasants, the national bird of Japan. Japanese green pheasants have a distinctive red wattle and its beauty catches the attention of all that see it. It has a mysterious charm, and it is even believed that they can predict earthquakes. Japanese green pheasants are a familiar species to Japanese people, as they're in the famous Japanese folk tale Momotaro (桃太郎). The video shows footage of them in the wild. The article will also introduce the Japanese pheasant, so be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! The Japanese Green Pheasants Photo:Japanese green pheasants Japanese green pheasants (Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Phasianus) that you see in the video, are quite common in Japan, and Japanese people are very familiar with them. At the start of the video, we see a male Japanese green pheasant, which has a distinctive red wattle and colorful plumage, then at 1:38, we see a female Japanese green pheasant. As you can tell by the footage, female Japanese green pheasants are not as colorful as male Japanese green pheasants. The Japanese pheasant is the symbolic bird of Japan and has a majestic appearance befitting of the national bird. In many municipalities, the pheasant has been designated as the town bird. As mentioned earlier, the Japanese pheasant is well-known in Japan, as it was one of the characters, along with the dog and monkey, in the Japanese folk tale, Momotaro. You can also see the bird on the front of the old 10,000 yen bill, which is another reason Japanese people are so familiar with the bird. As for the size and shape of the Japanese pheasant, the overall length of the male is about 80 cm and the female is about 60 cm. Male Japanese green pheasants weigh about 0.8 to 1.1 kilograms. Males weigh between 0.8 and 1.1 kilograms and females between 0.6 and 0.9 kilograms. Ring-necked pheasants, which are widely distributed in Eurasia, are slightly larger than Japanese green pheasants. Photo:Japanese green pheasants Male Japanese green pheasants have a red wattle around the eyes, while females have brownish colored plumage. During mating season, the red wattle on a male Japanese green pheasant swells, lets out loud mating calls. Japanese pheasants make loud cries during territorial disputes. Japanese pheasants are also very wary and will often dash away if they are noticed. They also live quietly and are not very active outside of spring, so if you want to observe them, spring is the best time to do so. Japanese green pheasants mainly feed on seeds, sprouts, and leaves. In Japan, many pheasants are released in bird sanctuaries, fallow hunting areas and additive hunting areas. This takes place every year during birdwatching week and before the hunting season. The Various Types of Pheasants Photo:Japanese green pheasants Some people believe that the Japanese pheasant, an endemic species in Japan, is a subspecies of Ring-necked pheasants found in Eurasia, and the Ornithological Society of Japan and others have adopted this theory. Japanese pheasants and ring-necked pheasants are game birds, and pheasant meat is eaten for food. There are four main subspecies of pheasant distributed in Japan: The Kyushuu pheasant (kyushukiji, キュウシュウキジ) is found in southwestern Honshu, Kyushu and the Goto Islands; the northern pheasant (kitakiji, キタキジ) inhabits northern Honshu and Sado Island; the Island pheasant (shimakiji, シマキジ) inhabits Honshu, Tanegashima, Izu Oshima, Yakushima and Niijima; and the Tokai pheasant (toukaikiji,トウカイキジ) is found in central Honshu and Shikoku. Pheasants are mainly found in grasslands, rural areas, forests and flatlands, and sometimes appear in urban areas, causing damage to agriculture and other areas. Summary of the National Bird of Japan Source of photo :YouTube screenshot The video, "A Family of Pheasants," created by "Nyanta8355," shows footage of the Japanese green pheasant, the national bird of Japan! In the video, you can see the majestic Japanese pheasant in its natural habitat. The appearance of female and male pheasants is completely different, so be sure to check them out. In Japan, a cat with a pheasant pattern is called a pheasant cat! From being designated as Japan's national bird to their supposed ability to sense earthquakes, the Japanese pheasant is a fascinating animal! -
Video article 4:58
Observe Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko - A Protected Species of Lizard on the Verge of Extinction in the Mountains of Okinawa, Japan...
Living Things- 613 plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 1:42
The Bonin Flying Fox: A Rare Glimpse at the Bat That Can Only Be Seen on Japan's Ogasawara Islands in the Daylight! Listed as an Endangered Species, It Can Be Seen Here Stuffing Its Cute Cheeks With Food!
Living Things- 293 plays
- YouTube
The Bonin Flying Fox! This video, titled "Bonin Flying Fox" (オガサワラオオコウモリ), is an informational video that contains footage of the Bonin flying fox. It was posted by "Chichijima Polaris." The Bonin flying fox is an endangered species of bats whose only habitat is the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. The video contains footage of the Bonin flying fox eating pandan fruit and moving around in the trees. From 0:41 in the video, you can hear the screeching cry of the Bonin flying fox. A Closer Look at the Bonin Flying Fox Photo:Sleeping Bonin fox The Bonin flying fox is a mammal belonging to the Pteropus genus, Pteropadidae family, Chiroptera order and Mammalia class. Its habitats are said to be limited to Chichijima Island (父島, Chichijima), Hahajima Island (母島, Hahajima), North Iwo Jima (北硫黄島, Kitaioto) and South Iwo Jima (南硫黄島, Minamioto). The Bonin flying fox is about 20-25 cm long with forearms that are about 13-15 cm long. It is a nocturnal herbivore, and is seen as a pest because it feeds on the citrus fruits and other such things on the island. However, the reason for this is actually a lack of food; it’s estimated that only about 100 of them currently exist. They were designated as a protected species in 1969 and began to be protected as a Domestically Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna in 2009. Where to Find a Bonin Flying Fox Photo:Bat The Bonin flying fox introduced in the video is very cute (granted it's a bat). On the Ogasawara Islands, there is a night tour where you can gaze at star-filled skies, something you can only find on a remote island! On this night tour, you can observe Bonin flying foxes as well as glow in the dark mushrooms and other natural scenery. The Bonin flying fox cannot be kept as a pet, as it is an endangered species, but you can keep bats as a pet depending on the species. If you're interested in bat-keeping and looking for a new friend, be sure to stop by a pet shop to gather information on them. Summary of the Bonin Flying Foxe Source :YouTube screenshot In this short, 2-minute video, there's plenty of footage of the cute Bonin flying fox. Be sure to watch the video to check out the cute little critter! The Bonin flying fox was previously put on a special stamp as part of a nature conservation series and is popular among stamp collectors. If you were captivated by the cuteness of the Bonin flying fox, keep your eyes peeled for these stamps or other bat-themed products! -
Video article 3:14
The Minohiki Chicken - A Japanese Bird Bred in the Pursuit of Beauty! This Majestic Chicken, With Its Dignified Appearance, Is in Danger of Extinction!
Living Things- 384 plays
- YouTube
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. -
Video article 3:06
Spend a Relaxing Time With Charming Cats at a Cat Café! They Make You Smile Just by Looking at Them!
Modern Culture Living Things- 73 plays
- YouTube
Introducing the Cat Café Culture of Japan! This video is titled "Cat Café Nyaon PV" (猫カフェ 猫音(ニャオン)PV) and is a promotional video for Cat Café Nyaon, a cat café in Osaka. In Japan, there are cat cafes, where you can spend time playing with charming cats. At a cat café, you can feed a wide variety of cats and play with them with various toys. It is also fun to take photos of pretty cats climbing on the cat towers. They are very photogenic. Cat cafes are cafes where people drink and eat. As such, they serve you delicious food in a hygienic container with a lid as shown from 1:14. Friendly cats are allowed in the dining area, too. They come on top of the table and invite you to play. They are very cute. Enjoy the modern Japanese culture of cat cafes as shown in the video. What Are Japan's Cat Cafes? Photo:Cat cafe The origin of cat cafes goes back to Nekokaen, opened in Taiwan in 1998. In Japan, the first cat café opened in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture in Japan's Kansai region in 2004. The history of cat cafes is still very short, and it is a modern Japanese culture. However, there are many cat café fans who want to spend a fun time with cats. A movie called ‘Cat Café (猫カフェ Nekokafe)’ was released in 2018. It was a really hot topic at the time. Since the cats at the cat cafes are prone to stress, most cafes give them a regular health check. There are some cat cafes where you can meet pedigree cats, while others keep mixed breed or abandoned cats. There are also adoption cafes, too, where you can adopt a cat of your choice. If you want to get a cat in Japan, perhaps you can visit one of these places. About Cat Café Nyaon Source :YouTube screenshot Cat Café Nyaon shown in the video is in the Naniwa district of Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. As you approach the front door of the cat world, cat ornaments welcome you. This is shown from 0:07. Once in the café, you are in the world of cats. You are surrounded by cat-related items such as picture books and other cat-like objects. You can see the inside of the café from 0:27 in the video. You can spot other small cat fixtures throughout the video as well. How many can you spot? At Cat Café Nyao, six café cats entertain visitors. With these cute cats, you should be able to take photos perfect for Instagram. Let’s Go to a Cat Café! Photo:A napping cat In Kyoto, where many foreign tourists visit for sightseeing, there are cat cafes such as Tango in Saiin, that is easily accessed from Kyoto station. There is also Jiji in Uji, Mocha in Kawara Town, Gallery Cats Eye in Maruta Town and Marumari in Shugakuin. There are many more cat cafes in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Akihabara in Tokyo. There are various cat cafes in Chiba Prefecture, Nara Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture in addition to Saitama Prefecture, Yokohama City, Nagoya City and Osaka City. Why not visit a cat café during your stay in Japan. Summary of Japan's Cat Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot As seen in the video, cat cafes are a part of Japanese culture. You can be surrounded by many kinds of cats and spend a relaxing time with them. The admission varies from one café to another. You pay around 1,000 yen per hour at most cat cafés for admission. Food and drinks that you order are charged separately. Please be aware that there are many rules for spending time with the animals. You can check the café ranking, recommendations and opening hours on the internet prior to your visit. We hope you find a fantastic cat café. ◆Cat Café ~ Nyaon ~ ◆ 【Address】3-7-24, Nihonbashi Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 556-0025 Japan 【Access】1 minute-walk from Exit 1-A5 of Ebisu Station on Subway Sakaisuji Line 【Admission】1,080 Yen~/60 minutes, 1,480 Yen~/90 minutes (drinks charged separately) 【Hours】Around 13:45~21:00 【Closures】Not regularly closed 【Parking】No 【Telephone No.】06-7503-5702 【Official Website】Cat Café ~ Nyaon ~ | A secret café for adults and cats http://nyaon.co.jp/ 【TripAdviser】Cat Café Nyaon https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14127654-d9917477-Reviews-Neko_Cafe_Nyaon-Naniwa_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html -
Video article 3:15
Cute Ezo Red Foxes Playing in Hokkaido. Learn About the Wildlife of Japan!
Living Things- 469 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Hokkaido's Cutest Critters! This video "Parent and child of fox" shows the state of the ezo red fox inhabiting In Hokkaido's, lush wilderness. You can see many wild animals such as raccoons and foxes in Hokkaido's outdoors. Be sure to watch the video to follow along. The Ezo red fox mother curled up with her kit is just adorable! There are many fans of the Ezo red fox in Japan. In 1978, a documentary movie called "The Glacier Fox" was released and became quite popular at the time. In the video, you can see a picture of an Ezo red fox mother with her kit living in nature. It's very soothing scenery. Please enjoy watching it! What Are Ezo Red Foxes? Source :YouTube screenshot Ezo red foxes are an endangered species that are widely distributed throughout Hokkaido and are also calledSakhalin. They have been frequently seen in Aomori Prefecture in recent years. It is a subspecies of the red fox that inhabits various places, and it is a carnivorous mammal. It is slightly larger than the Japanese red fox inhabiting Honshu. Its life span is generally said to be around 10 years. Ezo red foxes make high-pitched calls such as “can-can” and “wan-wan” They often eat rats, birds, and insects as food. And sometimes they come to residential areas in search of food. In this video, the kit stays close to its mother for safety and to play. From 0:06 in the video, they give playful bites and cuddle each other. It is a very cute, relaxing video about 3 minutes long. Where Can I See an Ezo Red? Photo:Ezo red foxes You may want to encounter a wild ezo red fox, but be careful as wild animals can have a parasite called Echinococcus. Kitami City, Hokkaido, has a fox specialty zoo “Ezo Red Fox Ranch”, where you can observe the ecology of cute red foxes in safety. Although it is in Hokkaido, it is quite far from Sapporo City. So if you visit Kitami City, we recommend making a hotel reservation. Summary of Hokkaido's Ezo Red Foxes Photo:Red fox The family of red foxes shown in the video is very adorable. Ezo red foxes live together in the harsh natural environment of Hokkaido. There is also a crepe shop in Fukuoka Prefecture called "Northern Fox's Favorite", which is popular with locals and tourists. Please enjoy the video of Ezo red foxes in Hokkaido; the place with the highest encounter rate of Ezo red foxes, in Japan. -
Video article 1:11:30
200 Cats in Aoshima, Ehime?! Enjoy the Best Sightseeing Spot for Cat Lovers, “Cat's Paradise”!
Living Things- 240 plays
- YouTube
Introducing "Cat Paradise" in Aoshima, Ehime Prefecture "JG☆☆☆4K 愛媛 青島(十数人の住民と百匹のネコ) Ehime, Aoshima (10+ residents and 100+ cats)" produced by "JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC" is a sightseeing video introducing the charms of Aoshima, an island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. In this video, the many cats of Aoshima, Ehime Prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, are filmed for over an hour. This is a must watch for cat lovers! See how many cats you can count while sightseeing at Aoshima's "Cat's Paradise." Sightseeing in Aoshima, Ehime Prefecture Photo:Aoshima Located in Nagahamacho, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, Aoshima is only 0.49 square kilometres, about the size of 10 Tokyo Domes. as of 2019, only three families with a total of six people live there. Aoshima, Ehime Prefecture, is also called "Nekojima" (Cat Island), and there are more than 200 cats on the island. A cat called “Dokin-chan”, which is particularly popular among the other felines, has had a photo book made about it, and it is loved by many fans. Around Aoshima, net fishing and single-line fishing are thriving, so you can enjoy gourmet seafood made with the freshest catches. In August, the historic festival "Aoshima Bon Odori," which is designated as an Ehime Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is held, and it is very popular. Highlights of Aoshima's "Cat Paradise" Photo:Cats at Aoshima There are plenty of highlights in this hour long video! Hundreds of cats are seen throughout the video. As we said before, it's the perfect place for cat lovers. At 3:34 in the video, you can see several cats gathering near a docked ship, looking for some treats no doubt. At around 10:33 in the video, you can see cats playing with fish and at 20:41, we see a large number of cats gathering up to be fed by the islands visitors. Aoshima Shrine on the island is also home to cats. This can be seen at 31:09 in the video. You can see various things in the video, such as cats basking in the sun, and sometimes they even get into some quarrels. Try to find your favorite scene! How to Get to Aoshima Source :YouTube screenshot You can get to Aoshima by heading to Nagahama Port, a one-minute walk from JR Iyo Nagahama Station, and taking the local ferry. The only way to access Aoshima is the regular ferry which has a capacity of 34 people. The fare is 700 yen one way and 1360 yen round trip. (As of November 2019) The timetable is as follows: Departure from Nagahama at 8: 00/14: 30, and departure from Aoshima Port at 8: 45/16: 15 (* As of November 2019). Restrooms are located at the docking area, and there are also day trips to see Aoshima and its surroundings. The ferry may be canceled due to inclement weather, so if you don't want your trip to be interrupted, we recommend staying at a hotel in Nagahama, Ehime Prefecture and gathering information there. Please note that there are no accommodations or shops on the island. The Problem With the "Cat Paradise," Aoshima Most cats that live on Aoshima are strays, so many cats have not been fixed, and you can still see kittens, as you can see at 7:35 in the video. An increase in the number of cats and the deterioration of the environment are 2 of the island's major problems. Aoshima has a small population, and it's possible that ferries to the island may be stopped in the future. If there is no one left on the island, cat management and feeding problems may occur. Because of this, immediate action is required. When tourists travel to Aoshima by ferry, they must follow rules, such as cleaning up their garbage and feeding limits. -
Video article 0:59
Adorable Little Faces Peeking out From Under the Fallen Leaves – This Video of Japanese Raccoon Dogs Is Making the Rounds on the Internet! Why Are They Burying Into the Fallen Leaves? Here's an Introduction to the Raccoon Dogs of Hokkaido’s Obihiro Zoo!
Living Things News- 645 plays
- YouTube
Introduction of Obihiro Zoo’s Japanese Raccoon Dogs! This video, “しぐさが可愛い!おびひろ動物園のタヌキが人気に” (Too cute! The Popular Raccon Dogs of Obihiro Zoo!), is an interview-style video first televised on HTB News. In the video, “buried raccoon dogs”, the adorable sight of raccoon dogs playing in the pool of fallen leaves prepared by the zoo’s staff, is shown. But just why are the raccoon dogs of Obihiro Zoo (おびひろ動物園, Obihiro dobutsuen) burying into the fallen leaves? In this article, we will introduce these animals along with a video of the adorable raccoon dogs peeking out from the fallen leaves. Obihiro Zoo's Raccoon Dogs Source :YouTube screenshot The raccoon dogs shown in the video are named An and Shiro. Originally, the zoo staff had hidden food in the fallen leaves. However, the raccoon dogs continued to bury themselves comfortably in the pool of leaves, as shown in the video, due to the warmth provided by it. The adorable sight of their faces peeking out from amongst the leaves can be seen from 0:25 in the video. This video of the raccoon dogs playing in the pool of leaves was posted on Twitter by zoo staff, and began to trend on social media sites. What Are Japanese Raccoon Dogs? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese raccoon dogs are a member of the Canidae family, and are a Japanese subspecies of the Asian raccoon dog. They can be found in certain areas of Hokkaido. Japanese raccoon dogs grow to a length of about 50 centimeters and weight about 4 to 8 kilograms. Those living in the wild have a lifespan of 6 to 8 years. They are mostly nocturnal, and subsist on an omnivorous diet of fruits, insects, and meat. The ezo tanuki species of Hokkaido is said to be different from the hondo tanuki species found in other areas of Japan. Japanese raccoon dogs come under the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Act of Japan, and cannot be raised as pets without special permission. Let’s Visit the Zoo to See the Japanese Raccoon Dogs! Source :YouTube screenshot The raccoon dogs can be seen in Obihiro Zoo, as introduced in the video. However, as mentioned at 0:44 in the video, the zoo closes for a certain period of time during the winter season, so do make sure to confirm the opening days before visiting. In recent years, the “natural behavior display”, where visitors can observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat, has become a popular display method in zoos. In Hokkaido, besides Obihiro Zoo, zoos such as the popular Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園, Asahiyama dobutsuen) and Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo (札幌市円山動物園, Sappro-shi maruyama dobutsuen) also make use of such displays. In the souvenir shop of the zoo, you can purchase adorable raccoon dog plush toys as well. Summary of Japanese Raccoon Dogs at Obihiro Zoo In this one-minute video, you can get a sense of just how adorable and charming the Japanese raccoon dogs are. As seen from 0:50 in the video, as the season begins to change to winter, the raccoon dogs’ fur grows out rapidly and becomes soft and fluffy. For those who want to view this adorable sight, definitely pay a visit to Obihiro Zoo in the winter. 【Official Website】Obihiro Zoo | Obihiro City Homepage Tokachi https://www.city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp/zoo/ -
Video article 7:45
Enjoy Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise's Dolphin Show From the Comfort of Your Own Home! These Adorable Dolphins Put on an Amazing Show in Yokohama, Kanagawa!
Living Things- 183 plays
- YouTube
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise's Dolphin Show! This video is titled “A Dolphin Show to Enjoy at Home Long Version “Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise(おうちで楽しむイルカショー ロングver【横浜・八景島シーパラダイス】).” It was uploaded by Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. You'll feel like you're at the aquarium just by watching this video. Check out the exciting footage of these adorable dolphins putting on an amazing performance! What Is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise’s Dolphin Show? Source :YouTube screenshot At Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, you can watch shows involving various sea creatures. As you can see from 0:05 in the video, mascot Sea Para Seata appears and from 0:49 the show of penguins and dolphins begins. You can see a cool hawk from 1:00. When the dolphins jump in tandem with the music, the water splashes high into the air. This can be seen at 4:24 in the video. Be careful of sitting in the front row, you're bound to get splashed! There are other shows involving seals and walruses as well, so be sure to check them out if you're interested. We recommend booking a hotel so that you can enjoy a whole day at the aquarium. There's also a shopping mall, hotel, and a marina all inside Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. What Is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Like? Photo:Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a leisure facility, called "Sea Para" for short. The aquarium is at Aqua Zone and there are several sections, such as the Aqua Museum, Aqua Stadium Dolphin Fantasy, Sea Farm, and The Fureai Lagoon where you can pet some of the animals. The amusement park is at Pleasure Land and there are restaurants, souvenir shops and amusement zones. The magic show by Mr. Maric and the illumination event LIGHTIA were 2 very popular events. Summary of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Photo:Dolphin Watching a dolphin show is very exciting. If you haven't gotten your fill of dolphins, there's plenty to see in the video! Check out the website for tickets and get ready to visit Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise! There are quite a few seats at the dolphin show, but be aware that it can be crowded on weekends. ◆Information◆ 【Address】 Hakkeijima, Kanazawa, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006 【Access】 Hakkeijima Station Seaside Line. Bus available from Yokohama Station 【Aqua resort pass】 3,000 yen for adult and 1,800 yen for elementary to junior high school students (Depends on season/ Amusement park one day pass discount available) 【Closures】No holidays 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】045-788-8888 【Official Website】Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298173-d1308703-Reviews-Yokohama_Hakkeijima_Sea_Paradise-Yokohama_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html a -
Video article 4:17
Cute Akita Dogs Bring a Smile to Anyone’s Face! The Cute, Gentle, and Loyal Dog, Native to Japan, Is Becoming a Popular Breed Around the World!
Living Things- 235 plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 8:34
Lovely Wild Birds Help People Feel at Ease! A Video Featuring More Than 30 Species of Wild Birds, Native to Japan. How Many Do You Know?
Living Things- 78 plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 1:41
Enjoy a Dreamy Time With Fluffy Owls at Japan’s Owl Cafes! Enjoy Coffee, Cake, and Other Pastries While Spending Time With These Adorable Critters!
Living Things- 65 plays
- YouTube
Japan's Owl Cafes! This video is titled "The First Owl Café in Nara- 'Watawata'" (奈良で初めてのフクロウカフェ【わたわた】). It introduces the owl café in Nara, called "Watawata." There aren’t many chances where you can interact with owls, but at Japan's owl cafes you can enjoy seeing owls up close and even petting them! Many tourists from overseas come to Japan's cat cafes, but if you're looking for a more unique experience we definitely recommend checking out an owl cafe! How Owl Cafes Work Source :YouTube screenshot Owl cafes are places where there are cute owls, such as horned owls and more. Customers can play with owls while eating and drinking, and you can even feed the owls as well! As you can see from 0:49 in the video, there are cafes where you can put the owls on your shoulder and play with them too. You can also take photos with the owls and post them on social media sites. You can see this at 0:51 in the video. About Owls Photo:Owl Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, belonging to the order Strigiformes. They are called "the professors of the forest" and "philosophers of the forest." Their size ranges from 50 to 62 centimeters in length and they weigh anywhere from 500 to 1,300 grams. Five species of owls exist in Japan: the Yezo Ural Owl, Tohoku Owl, Ural Owl, Moniyamae, and Kyushu Owl. The hooting of owls can sometimes be heard as far as several kilometers away. Summary of Japan's Owl Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to rid yourself of stress and enjoy time with an animal you wouldn't normally get to be up close to, be sure to visit one of the many owl cafes in Japan! If you like cute animals, you can also try visiting a parrot or hedgehog cafe as well! 【Tripadvisor】Wata Wata Owl Cafe https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d9856696-Reviews-Wata_Wata_Owl_Cafe-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html -
Video article 5:07
Introducing the Research Facility Breeding the Extinct Oriental Stork! Observing the Precious, Endangered Bird at Hyogo Park!
Living Things- 102 plays
- YouTube
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 -
Video article 8:36
An Exciting Search! Catch the Phantom Giant Stag Beetle! Where Can You Find This Elusive Species?
Living Things- 92 plays
- YouTube
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. -
Video article 3:20
Cute Monkeys in Hot Springs at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden. See Them Relax in the Hot Springs and Even Clean Each Other!
Living Things Travel- 82 plays
- YouTube
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Video Introduction This video, titled "Monkeys in the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Hot Springs" (函館市熱帯植物園温泉の猿たち), was uploaded by "HOKKAIDO FAN MAGAZINE." The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Hokkaido is home to a number of monkeys that can be seen enjoying hot springs during the winter months in Hokkaido. The Japanese macaques coming to the hot springs to seek warmth has become a signature sight of the winter season in Hakodate. At the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, visitors can see the monkeys cheerfully running around the enclosure, or happily soaking in the hot spring water. It's a popular sight on Japanese Instagram. Be sure to check out the video of the happy monkeys and their cute expressions as they soak in the hot springs before reading along! More About Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunokawa Onsen Photo:Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Yunokawa Onsen is conveniently located near Hakodate Airport in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is located along the coast overlooking the Tsugaru Straits from the hot spring resort. In the greenhouses of the garden, visitors can enjoy rare flowers and plants that bloom in the everlasting summer in the tropics. There are approximately 300 species and 3,000 tropical plants, including ice cream trees, breadfruit, bougainvillea, hibiscus, etc. It's a popular spot where tourists can feel like they're in the tropics despite being in the cold of Hokkaido. From the observatory in the center of the greenhouse, visitors can look down on the unique tropical plants, and observe parakeets, beetles, and a variety of other creatures, including a crocodile (stuffed of course). In addition, the Japanese monkeys outside of Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, which can be visited all year round, are the most popular attraction in the garden. In the front garden, visitors can enjoy the flowers of Japan's four seasons, and small children can play on the playground equipment. The park is also equipped with footbath facilities, so adults can also enjoy themselves in a way that only a hot spring can offer. It's great for warming up on a cold day! Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a popular destination not only for tourists but also for local families. Prices are 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students and 300 yen for adults, with a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more. Preschool children and students and children who attend school in Hakodate or live in the city but go to school outside the city are admitted free of charge. Cute Monkeys in Hot Springs at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Winter Photo:The monkey hot springs at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Have you ever seen the famous footage of Japanese monkeys bathing in hot springs? Seeing them look so comfortable, as they relax in the hot springs just like humans would makes for a memorable sight. The approximately 90 monkeys at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden have become famous for bathing in hot springs, and many tourists now come to see them enjoying the baths. The history of these monkey hot springs dates back to 1970. It all started when 20 Japanese monkeys were brought here to entertain guests. The current monkeys are the descendants of the boss, Kantaro, and his wife, Tomoe, who were brought in from Honshu (mainland Japan) at that time. If you're visiting Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, you'll definitely want to check out the monkeys soaking in the hot springs. They say that the less hair a monkey has, the longer it's been bathing in the hot springs. Visitors can also buy food to feed the monkeys. The monkeys are also good at doing puppy-dog-eyes and while the beg you for food. The monkeys are also really photogenic, so be sure to being a camera for some nice Instagram shots. Summer at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden! Photo:A banana tree at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, Hakodate During the summer, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden holds an event called the Tropical Botanical Garden Summer Festival. There are water exciting activities, such as underwater tug-of-war, and concession stands are set up as well. There will also be hula dancers and Hawaiian bands performing, adding to the tropical atmosphere. (※Not held in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic). In the greenhouse, visitors can also enjoy banana trees and summer flowers blooming in the flower beds. "Water Square" by the greenhouse is a popular place for children to splash about during the hot summer months. It's a place filled with cheerful laughter! Even in summer, you can watch the monkeys and feed them at the monkey hot springs. Be it winter or summer, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is fun in every season! Summary of Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden If you haven't seen the cute monkeys bathing in the hot springs with bright red faces yet, be sure to check it out in the video. The monkey hot springs are a famous winter attraction at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden. The monkeys enjoying the hot springs just like humans is a n adorable sight. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is located inside the Yunokawa Onsen resort area, and hotels and inns are available for visitors planning to stay overnight. You can use Yunokawa Onsen as a base when planning a trip to Hakodate and enjoy the amazing sightseeing spots and delicious food the city has to offer! Hokkaido is a charming place to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, in the summer when the lush greenery returns, and in the fall when the leaves change color. If you visit Hakodate's Yunokawa Onsen, be sure to check out the cute monkeys relaxing in the hot springs! ◆Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden◆ 【Address】3 Chome-1-15 Yunokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0932 【Hours】 April - October: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. November - March: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 【Admission Fee】General admission: ¥300, Elementary and junior high school students: ¥100 【Parking】Available (Free) 【Access】Please check the official website 【TripAdvisor】Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden -
Video article 21:43
Fighting an Awesome Giant Fish in the Ocean Near Ishigaki Island, Okinawa! A Monstrous 80+ Kilo Fish in the Waters Around Japan!
Living Things- 32 plays
- YouTube
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! -
Video article 5:07
A Rare Shrew in Someone's Garden! He Wasn't Feeling Well, but After Giving Him Some Killifish He Chowed Down and Made His Way Back To the Bushes... Take Care Mr. Shrew!
Living Things- 29 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "A Rare Shrew Found Its Way Into a Garden! After a Few Snacks He's Back to the Bushes!" (庭にいたトガリネズミにメダカのエサをやりました), was released by "pxh01252." This video captures a shrew in the wild! The shrew is not a mouse, but a member of the mole family, and is said to be the smallest mammal in the world. The shrew that lives in Hokkaido is listed as an endangered species on the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment. They are small, at only about 2 cm in length (their tail is about 3 cm), and you can easily understand how small they are when compared to the clover in the video. They look adorable as they eat, moving their narrow, pointy snout around like a cute character in a picture book. There are many things about shrews that we don't know about, so take this chance to see what they're like! -
Video article 7:18
A wild raccoon has appeared in the middle of a human village! She delivers healing with her adorable appearance, unfazed by people and cars.
Living Things- 15 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "It Doesn't Seem Wild at All! a Wild Raccoon Dog That Loves Humans" (とても野生とは思えない!人間大好きな野生のタヌキ), was released by "Wild Birds Izumi" (野鳥いずみ). This video shows a wild raccoon dog that loves people. Although raccoon dogs can be seen in all areas of Japan, they are rarely seen by humans and are only rarely seen in areas near mountains and fields. Also, they are often disliked by humans as vermin, so they tend to keep away from people. However, in this video, the raccoon dog can be seen proudly walking in the middle of the roadway and coming closer to the photographer. It's rare footage that allows you to see Japan's raccoon dogs up close and personal, and it's also a useful way to observe its face and limbs. -
Video article 7:07
Cape Kiritappu - Enjoy a View of Cute Otters Playing in Hokkaido! Observe the Wildlife of Japan at This Popular Sightseeing Location!
Living Things- 2.02K plays
- YouTube
Video Introduction This video, titled "Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido|Wild Sea Otters Floating in the Sea|2020" (北海道霧多布岬 ぷかぷか浮かぶ 野生のラッコ 2020), was uploaded by "Shinji kawamura." The video captures endangered sea otters playfully swimming and relaxing at Cape Kiritappu, a place where you can encounter otters, foxes, and other wildlife of Japan. It's a great place for taking Instagram photos as well, so be sure to check it out. Don't forget to follow along with the video! Sea Otters – An Endangered Species on the Decline in Japan Photo:A raft of sea otters The main habitat of wild sea otters is the area from the California coast through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Overfishing has led to a decline in the wild population, and it's estimated that more than 3,000 sea otters perished when an oil tanker ran aground in Alaska. Although the number of sea otters in the wild temporarily declined to less than 2,000, active conservation efforts have helped the population recover to more than 100,000. On the other hand, the number of sea otters kept in aquariums in Japan has continued to decline from 122 in 1994, and by 2021 there will be only 4 in Japan. Sea otters, which are designated as an endangered species, are prohibited from being imported from outside of Japan. Currently, because of declining reproductive capabilities and aging populations, further breeding of sea otters kept in Japan becoming more and more difficult. Because of this, it's not unlikely that there will come a day when sea otters can no longer be seen in aquariums in Japan. Where to See Sea Otters in the Wild in Japan Photo:Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido There was a time when wild sea otters were no longer seen in the waters around Japan due to overfishing, but since 1980, there has been a string of sightings along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. In recent years, wild sea otters have been seen in Japan mainly in three areas along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. One is Cape Kiritappu, which is introduced in the video, and the others are Cape Nosappu in Nemuro, which is located on the northeast side of the cape, and Moyururi Island, an uninhabited island off the Kombumori fishing port between Cape Kiritappu and Cape Nosappu. Breeding has been confirmed on both Cape Kiritappu and Moyururi Island. Of these three locations, the highest probability of observing wild sea otters from land is at Cape Kiritappu. The sight of wild sea otters, both parents and offspring, floating in the sea, is both funny and cute. [Video] 0:19 - Wild Sea Otters Swimming With Their Offspring in Their Arms Sea Otters at Cape Kiritappu - The Best Times and Where to See Them Photo:An otter Wild sea otters can be seen throughout the year around Cape Kiritappu. However, your chances are low during bad weather, such as fog or high waves. It's said that the chance of seeing sea otters on a clear day is only a 1 in 3 chance, so weather is also an important factor. The best place to see them is where the waves are most calm. The probability of seeing them is higher on the north side of the cape and around reefs. If you're lucky, you can see wild sea otters up close, but we recommend bringing a telescope or binoculars in order to clearly see their appearance, behavior, and facial expressions. You can check out the sea otters napping and eating in the video. [Video] 1:50 - Sea Otters Relaxing and Taking Naps [Video] 4:28 - Sea Otters Eating Shellfish off Their Stomachs Summary of Otters at Cape Kiritappu The number of sea otters kept in aquariums has drastically decreased due to difficulties in breeding in Japan. Wild sea otters, on the other hand, a species that once vanished due to overhunting, can now be seen in the waters around Japan. The eastern coast of Hokkaido, where sightings are particularly common, is now quite popular. Cape Kiritappu is a popular spot to see rare wild sea otters from land. If you happen to see them during a visit to the area, consider yourself lucky! 【TripAdvisor】Cape Kiritappu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120924-d1553698-Reviews-Kiritappu_Cape-Hamanaka_cho_Akkeshi_gun_Hokkaido.html -
Video article 0:40
A Mysterious Giant Salamander Has Suddenly Appeared in Kyoto's Kamo River! Introducing the Living Fossil That Has Remained Unchanged Since Ancient Times and Is Designated as a Protected Species!
Living Things- 3.92K plays
- YouTube
The Giant Salamander of Kyoto's Kamo River! This is a video of the Giant Salamander, a protected species, that appeared in Kyoto's Kamo River. The giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian. The characteristics of giant salamanders is their large body, which is approximately 150cm (~5 ft.) long. Giant salamanders have not changed in form since ancient times, and as such, they are referred to as "living fossils." What Are Giant Salamanders? Photo:Giant salamander Japanese Giant Salamanders belong to the animalia kingdom, chordata phylum, and amphibia class. They are also referred to as "Hanzaki" in Japanese. It is an endemic species living in the south western part of Japan. The mucus giant salamanders secrete on their skin smells like Japanese pepper (Sansho), so they are called "Sansho Uo" in Japanese. Chinese giant salamanders are very similar to Japanese giant salamanders. There's not much difference between Japanese giant salamanders and Chinese giant salamanders, and it is difficult to identify them based on appearance. In China, there is a theory that earthquakes occurs when giant salamanders appear. Are There Many Giant Salamanders Living in Kyoto's Kamo River? Photo:Kyoto As you can see in the video, giant salamanders are often seen in Kyoto's Kamo River basin. However, according to genetic research in the Kyoto area, the native species are extinct and the ones currently living in the city are likely to be non-native, hybrids, or a new species. In Kyoto, heavy rains and typhoons often cause the Kamo River to flood. After it rains, you can find salamanders that were washed downstream from Kumogahata village. The video begins with a giant salamander, over 1 meter in length, walking slowly along the path. It stops moving after 0:07, but you can see it slowly raising its head a couple of times. Giant Salamanders at the Kyoto Aquarium! Photo:Giant salamander At Kyoto Aquarium, there is a special display area of giant salamanders, and if you're lucky, you may even hear their low guttural call. You can also buy stuffed giant salamanders at the aquarium's souvenir shop. At the aquarium, more research is being done on giant salamanders. According to studies, the average life expectancy of a Giant Salamander is 80 years, but some live more than 200 years. Summary of the Giant Salamander at Kamo River Source :YouTube screenshot Many of you may have been surprised by the sheer size of the salamander in the video. There are many reports of salamander sightings along the Kamo River, so it's a good place to stop by when sightseeing in Kyoto. You can also visit the Kyoto Aquarium to learn more about the biology of the Japanese giant salamander. 【Official Website】Kyoto Aquarium- A short walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/