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Protecting the Tanchō Crane Habitat: The Kamidachi Tanchō Trust Campaign

The Japan National Trust, in collaboration with the village of Tsurui in Hokkaido, has launched the "Kamidachi Tanchō Trust Campaign" to acquire approximately 7.5 hectares of land adjacent to the Kushiro Wetlands National Park, aiming to prevent the establishment of large-scale solar power facilities. This initiative emphasizes the protection of the unique natural environment surrounding the Kushiro Wetlands, where the endangered Tanchō cranes thrive.

The Setsuri River, flowing through Tsurui, remains unfrozen even in the depths of winter, providing a crucial habitat for the Tanchō, which is designated a national natural monument of Japan. Visitors, both local and international, flock to the Otowa Bridge in the early morning to catch a glimpse of these magnificent cranes taking flight. The newly acquired land is not only integral to the scenic views from this bridge but also plays a vital role in the ecosystem that sustains the Tanchō and other wildlife.

In recent years, while the adoption of renewable energy sources has surged across the country, concerns over the impact on natural environments and landscapes have emerged. The Kamidachi initiative is a pioneering example where public administration and private organizations unite to procure land as a preventive measure against ecological disruption, aligning with the principles of the National Trust movement.

The total cost for the land purchase is 3 million yen, shared equally between Tsurui Village and the Japan National Trust. To cover our half of the expense, which amounts to 1.5 million yen, we are calling for donations nationwide through this trust campaign.

We aspire to pass on the enchanting winter landscapes of the Setsuri River, the Tanchō cranes, and the surrounding hilly terrain to future generations. We encourage wide dissemination and support for this endeavor across the country.

During the snowy season, numerous Tanchō cranes gather in Tsurui Village to forage from the Kushiro Wetlands, using the area as a night roost. This newly targeted land is essential to the prominent views from the Otowa Bridge and directly contributes to the ecosystem.

Campaign Overview

• - Name: Kamidachi Tanchō Trust Campaign
• - Objective: Fundraising for the land acquisition in Seturi, Tsurui Village, Hokkaido, estimated at 1.5 million yen.
• - Purpose: To raise awareness about this initiative and solicit donations to help preserve the unique nature and landscape of Tsurui Village renowned worldwide.
• - Target Amount: 1.5 million yen

(Any additional funds collected will be utilized for further land acquisitions for Tanchō protection or landscape preservation.)

• - Organizer: Japan National Trust
• - Donation Method: Starting from 5,000 yen, donations can be made through postal transfer or bank deposits to a dedicated account.

For more details about the campaign, please check our dedicated campaign website.

What is the National Trust?

Originating in 19th-century England, the National Trust is a citizen movement aimed at protecting rich natural and historical environments. It involves fundraising to acquire and preserve lands and buildings for future generations. Beatrix Potter, the author of Peter Rabbit, was a notable supporter of this movement, contributing significantly to the conservation of the Lake District's nature. In Japan, the movement began in Kamakura in 1964 and has expanded to over 50 regions across the nation.

About Japan National Trust

Established in 1983 as the national organization for the National Trust movement, it was incorporated in 1992 as the Japan National Trust Association. The organization provides support to local trust groups, promotes awareness, and advocates for conservation efforts. Since 2007, it has actively engaged in land acquisition to enhance trust areas.

Land Acquisition Achievements

To date, the Japan National Trust has secured approximately 1,765 hectares across 60 locations through purchases and donations. The organization focuses on protecting significant habitats, wetlands, watersheds, and scenic landscapes, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

We encourage collaboration with local governments in land purchases; the Kamidachi campaign represents our second such initiative, following our successful acquisition of the historic Utazai Wetlands in 2015, in partnership with the town of Kuromatsunai.

Contact Us

Japan National Trust
Manager: Naoko Nakayasu
Address: 2-30-20 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo, 171-0021, Japan
Tel: 03-5979-8031
E-Mail: [email protected]

Let's work together to ensure the sustainability of the Tanchō crane habitat and the natural beauty of Tsurui!