The vast land of Hokkaido is filled with abundant nature, which is made up of many living creatures. This issue marks the start of our new series, "Hokkaido's Little Nature," named after this idea. From the perspective of a still and movie cameraman who travels around Hokkaido, we will be introducing the great outdoors of Hokkaido and the wildlife that lives there.

The first one we'll introduce is the killer whale. In the Ainu language, killer whales are called "Repun Kamuy," meaning "God of the Ocean."

There are many opportunities to encounter wild killer whales in Hokkaido, and they can be seen mainly in the waters of Rausu (Nemuro Strait), as well as off the coasts of Tomakomai, Kushiro, and Abashiri. Every year from spring to summer, you can watch them from tourist boats in the waters of Rausu. The photo in this article was also taken in the waters of Rausu.

In the background you can see the town of Rausu.

Many people have the image of killer whales as "ferocious creatures" that attack large cetaceans and other mammals. While some killer whales do have that side to them, research has revealed 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 seen swimming with minke whales, those that act as if they are attacking seabirds, and even those that are holding whales in their mouths, so it is assumed that many different types of killer whales migrate here.

A killer whale coming to the surface to breathe

Depending on the sunlight, the blow (breath) may be colored in rainbow colors.

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

This is a type of jump called a breach. You don't see this very often.

You won't understand the daily life in this remote area of Hokkaido unless you go there. If you are interested in encountering whales in the waters of Rausu, please search for "Rausu whale watching"!