Animal Guide

Blakiston's Fish Owl (Ketupa blakistoni blakistoni), a member of the fish owl family, is Japan's largest owl, with a wingspan reaching 180 centimeters (72 inches). The creature is characterized by its large crown-like ear coverts and thick feather coat, which is a natural protection enabling it to live in a harsh environment where temperatures drop to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit).

The owl's hooting call is heard from late afternoon to sunset, from which time the owl becomes active throughout the night. It has large eyes like other types of owls and is nicknamed "philosopher of the forest" due to its fastidious thinker's facial expression.

Blakiston's Fish Owl has been affectionately called "Kotan-koro-kamui" (meaning guardian deity of villages) for centuries by the Ainu people, the earliest indigenous group of people living on the island of Hokkaido. It feeds mainly on fish, while most other species prey on mice, rats, and insects. Its dynamic hunting method consists of diving from the air for fish swimming near the surface of the water and grasping its prey with its sharp, spiked talons. The fish owl dwells in a nest built inside broad-leaf trees beside lakes or rivers.

Blakiston's Fish Owl lives in monogamy throughout the year and, unlike other owls, has the unique habit of remaining with its chicks for one to three years.

Blakiston's Fish Owl is found in the sub-arctic region of Japan. It inhabits wooded areas along rivers in the central and eastern parts of Hokkaido. However, the number of birds in the wild has diminished to approximately one hundred, due mainly to river-related construction, a decrease of salmon coming upstream to spawn and deforestation.
Blakiston's Fish Owl was designated as a natural treasure of the nation in May, 1971. In order to save the owl from the danger of extinction, various means have been recently attempted, such as the drilling of new tree holes or placement of nesting boxes in forests where a considerable number of trees had been cut down.
The Wild Life Preservation Bureau of Hokkaido, Corporation also makes an active effort to artificially raise and breed the owl.