Akira Sato returns to Ki Niseko with new photo exhibition, “It’s not a rabbit! It’s a Hokkaido squirrel, Ēzo Risu.”
At first glance, it may look like a rabbit but it is a Hokkaido squirrel that typically has a white tummy and brown body. The Ēzo Risu in this photo is an Albino (absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes). It is difficult for Albino Ēzo Risu to survive from prey as it is conspicuous in nature. This is a rare sighting of the mysterious and divine Albino Ēzo Risu.
"It has taken a year and a half to photograph of this particular type of Ēzo Risu.
I sincerely hope to keep taking photos of this mysterious creature." - Akira Sato.
Akira Satō was born in 1963 and lives in Sapporo. He began scuba diving at the age of 32 in 1995 and took an interest in photography to capture the beauty of the underwater world.
The encounter of the Hokkaido Owl “Ēzo Fukurō” in the woods one day enticed him into photographing wildlife. He continues to capture the beauty and strength in often harsh nature in Hokkaido.
Exhibition is located on the 1st floor, across from the Ki Gift Shop. Free of charge.
Exhibition dates: 21 March – 6 May, 2019.
