Hiroyuki Chisato

Nature Grand. Sarorun Kamuy Representative & Nature Guide

Born and raised in Kushiro.

I admired the city and moved to Tokyo right after graduating high school. (At that time, I thought the Kushiro Wetlands were worthless.)

While raising my children, I came to realize the greatness of Hokkaido, especially Eastern Hokkaido including Kushiro. After turning 50, I requested to return to my hometown through something called the Hometown Personnel System offered by my employer.

Now, I truly love nature and my hometown.

I work as a local guide, mainly in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park but covering all of Eastern Hokkaido.

- Hokkaido Governor Certified Hokkaido Outdoor Guide (Nature/Canoeing)

- Certified guide of Tsurui Village

  • WAFA Certified (Wilderness Advanced First Aid)

-  ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) EDU Certified

I am especially involved in various volunteer activities dedicated to the protection of and coexistence with Tancho.

Former Kushiro Branch Manager of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

　　　　

Yuko Chisato

Red-crowned Crane Ambassador ♡ / HAPPY Life Creator ♡ / Photography Enthusiast

Born and raised in Tokyo.

In April 2020, I moved to Kushiro City, Hokkaido.

With a 22-year career as a kindergarten teacher, I now work in eastern Hokkaido, joining the Red-crowned Crane Conservation Research Group, Tsurui Village Red-crowned Crane Protection Association, and the Crane community alongside my husband, engaging in field surveys and conservation activities.

As a photographer and content creator, I share the charm of eastern Hokkaido both in Japan and abroad.

■ Connecting Lives, Weaving Happiness

The wild Tancho pair that I visited and watched over nearly every week offered valuable lessons. Seeing them earnestly continuing the chain of life taught me that being alive in and of itself is a miracle.

The Tancho and other wildlife have also deepened my understanding of food education, reinforcing what I was long taught as a child: We live by inheriting life.

6th Annual JAL Red-Crowned Crane Photo Contest - Bic Camera Award Winner

■Turning Setbacks into Light
My life has never been entirely smooth.

There were days spent working hard, setbacks in my relationships, bullying, depression, binge-eating disorder... Even those experiences I spent in darkness are now something I  have come to truly appreciate as “lessons” and pieces that have shaped who I am today.

“I'm really glad to be alive.” The ones that made me realize these feelings were the Tancho flying over Kushiro and the wild animals living their lives so courageously.

People who can value themselves can also value the lives of others. I believe that chain of respect can create a peaceful world without bullying or conflict.