The vast land of Hokkaido is home to a rich wilderness, and this rich wilderness is made up of many forms of life. With this in mind, we have launched "Hokkaido's Tiny Wilderness". We will introduce Hokkaido's wilderness and the wildlife that lives there from the perspective of still and video photographers who travel around the various regions of Hokkaido.

First up are the orcas. In Ainu language, killer whales are called "lepunkamui," or "gods of the sea.

In Hokkaido, there are many chances to see orcas in the wild, and they can be seen off the coast of Tomakomai, Kushiro, and Abashiri, as well as mainly in the waters of Rausu (Nemuro Strait). You can watch from sightseeing boats in the sea of Rausu from around spring to summer every year. This photo was also taken in the sea of Rausu.

The town of Rausu can be seen in the background

Do many people have the image of killer whales as "ferocious creatures" that attack large cetaceans and mammals? It is true that some killer whales do have this aspect, but research has shown that there are many different types, including those that prefer whales, those that prefer marine mammals, and those that prefer fish. In the waters of Rausu, killer whales have been observed swimming with minke whales, attacking seabirds, and suckling whales, so it is assumed that many different types of killer whales migrate to the area.

Killer whales coming to the surface to breathe

Depending on the sunlight, their blows (breaths) may turn rainbow-colored.

This behavior is called spy-hopping. Orcas may be observing humans.

Jumping called breaching. You don't see it that often.

You have to go there to understand how life works at the end of Hokkaido. If you are interested in meeting the whales in the waters of Rausu, please search for "Rausu Whale Watching"!