Key Facts
• Tsurui Village plans to acquire 7.5 hectares of private land near Kushiro Wetlands.
• The land is adjacent to a national park and 1.5 km southeast of Otowa Bridge.
• The area is a key habitat for red-crowned cranes, a national natural monument.
• Osaka-based company proposed solar facility construction in January 2025 but withdrew in February.
• Tsurui Village seeks donations via hometown tax system to fund the land purchase.
• Donations are tax-deductible but offer no return gifts; deadline is September 30, 2025.
• Village ordinance requires prior consultation for developments but lacks strong enforcement.
• Officials aim to preserve the iconic crane habitat and scenic landscape.
Summary
Tsurui Village in Hokkaido is taking steps to protect the iconic red-crowned crane habitat near Kushiro Wetlands National Park. The village plans to acquire 7.5 hectares of private land, which serves as a scenic backdrop for photography and tourism. This decision follows a solar power facility proposal by an Osaka-based company, which was withdrawn after concerns about its impact on the landscape. To fund the purchase, the village is soliciting donations through Japan’s hometown tax system, with contributions eligible for tax deductions but no return gifts. The deadline for donations is September 30, 2025. While the village has ordinances requiring prior consultation for developments, officials acknowledge these measures are insufficient to prevent future projects. By securing the land, Tsurui Village aims to safeguard the habitat and preserve the area’s natural beauty.
