Japanese cranes in Kushiro Marsh.

In Japanese culture, the crane has been a symbol of longevity, loyalty and good fortune. It was fabled to live a thousand years, hence the name “tanchōzuru”. The Japanese premiere airlines even have this bird as their international logo.

Cranes gather in feeding sites in Kushiro during winter.

 

A crane walking at the snowed marsh.

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) or Japanese cranes (tancho in Japanese) were thought to be extinct in Japan until about 20 birds were discovered in 1924 at the Kushiro marshes. Conservation efforts lead to the increasing number of this bird species, numbering now of about more than 1,000. There are only about 2,750 red-crown cranes existing in the world including those in China and Korea.

The cranes have been the symbol of Kushiro City.

I live in Hokkaido, so it’s a must for me to visit the cranes in Kushiro. Actually, I have already visited the cranes site thrice. Kushiro is the most populous city in Eastern Hokkaido and is a product of the merging of Kushiro City (formerly Kushiro town), Akan town and Onbetsu town.

Cranes in Kushiro marsh.

The Kushiro-shitsugen Marsh serves as the nesting ground of the Japanese cranes. Since 1952, the habitat of these cranes has been assigned as a special natural monument in Japan.

Cranes are being fed by the Kushiro villagers during winter.

Japanese cranes are a spectacular view in Kushiro.

The cranes can be best seen in winter as they gather together at feeding sites the people of Kushiro have established. Here, one can view the spectacular moves of the cranes like a choreographed dance.

A fying crane in Kushiro.

A feeding site for cranes at the Kushiro Marsh.