The red-crowned crane was thought to be extinct in Japan.However, they were discovered in Kushiro Marsh in Hokkaido in 1924, about 100 years ago.Since then, thanks to the conservation efforts of local people, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, and the Wild Bird Society of Japan, the number of red-crowned cranes has increased to more than 1,800.Thanks to human protection activities, the bird has been spared from the danger of extinction.I think this is a wonderful achievement.
The red-crowned crane is also loved by the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, who call it “Sarurun Kamuy, god of the marshlands” and cherish it like a god.Their graceful white form is as beautiful as a god.I would like to share with you the resurrection of the red-crowned crane through the works of my 12 years of photographing cranes.
