Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, continues to captivate visitors as one of the country's most enigmatic and pristine wilderness destinations. The mysterious island of the Japanese archipelago doesn't readily reveal its secrets to casual observers, requiring adventurous travelers to venture eastward into its most untamed regions to truly discover its natural wonders.
The island's eastern territories showcase some of Japan's most spectacular wildlife habitats, featuring dense forested mountains that serve as home to the world's largest owl species. These wild landscapes are complemented by snow-capped volcanic peaks, high-altitude lakes that attract migrating whooper swans, and rugged coastlines where the planet's largest eagle species make their homes. Across the island's expansive plains, herds of elegant sika deer roam freely through the pristine wilderness.
Hokkaido holds special significance as the habitat of Japan's national bird, the Japanese crane, which has become a powerful symbol of the island's natural heritage. These magnificent birds, which once teetered on the brink of extinction, have emerged as the rediscovered emblem of Japanese harmony and have earned widespread admiration throughout the country. The cranes represent profound cultural values including longevity, happiness, and fidelity, making them deeply meaningful to Japanese society.
The graceful movements and captivating courtship dances of these cranes evoke feelings of peace and harmony that seem to capture the very essence of Hokkaido's natural spirit. Their elegant presence serves as a living reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and cultural preservation that defines modern Japan's relationship with its natural environment.
Photographer Philippe Ricordel has dedicated the past fifteen years to documenting this fragile beauty through patient and passionate fieldwork across Hokkaido. Each photograph in his collection represents the culmination of careful observation and adventurous exploration, creating windows into the lives of these remarkable creatures while bearing witness to their grace and ecological importance. The resulting body of work, titled "Fuyu Iro," has been developed into both a traveling exhibition and a comprehensive book published by RAMSAY, offering audiences an intimate look at one of Japan's most treasured natural landscapes.
