2026: A new coffee habit begins with Hokkaido's wild animals

〜 キタキツネとシマエナガが教えてくれる、心温まる一杯の時間 〜

Happy New Year! 2026 has begun.

In the Daisetsuzan foothills of Hokkaido, wild animals are enduring a harsh winter in temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius. The Red Fox darting across the snowfields, the Long-tailed Tit huddled together on branches—their presence reminds us of the beauty of "living with nature."

Today, we propose a "new coffee ritual" to enjoy with these Hokkaido wild animals.

🦊 Red Fox — Hokkaido's Symbol Rushing Through the Snowfield

When it comes to Hokkaido's representative wild animals, it has to be the Red Fox (scientific name: Vulpes vulpes schrencki). It's larger than the Honshu fox, and its winter fur is fluffy and glows a beautiful orange.

Winter Life of the Red Fox

• Weighing 4-7kg, it's larger than foxes on Honshu. It endures the extreme cold with its thick winter coat.
• Pouncing hunt: A unique hunting method where it detects prey under the snow by sound, jumps high, and pins it down with its front paws.
• Solitary behavior: Kits that become independent in autumn face the harsh winter alone.
• Inhabits all of Hokkaido: Characterized by its high adaptability, found from forests to farmlands.

The World of Photographer Hiroki Inoue

This Red Fox was photographed by Hiroki Inoue. In 2016, he became the first Japanese photographer to win 1st place in the Nature category of National Geographic's "TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR," making him a world-renowned wildlife photographer.

His work, "Fox Chase," perfectly captures the dynamism of a Red Fox running across a snowfield, captivating people worldwide. He has also appeared on TBS's "Jounetsu Tairiku" (Passionate Continent), where his unique photography style has attracted attention.

🐦 Shima-Enaga — The "Snow Fairy" Found Only in Hokkaido

The Shima-Enaga (scientific name: Aegithalos caudatus japonicus) is very popular on social media. It is a subspecies of long-tailed tit found only in Hokkaido, affectionately known as the "Snow Fairy."

Reasons Why Shima-Enaga is Called the "Snow Fairy"

• Pure white face: While long-tailed tits on Honshu have black markings, the Shima-Enaga's face is pure white.
• Round shape: In winter, they puff up their feathers with air, becoming like fluffy spheres.
• Weighing only 8-10g: An astonishingly light weight, about half that of a sparrow.
• Huddle in groups for warmth: Their sight, lined up "like dumplings" on the same branch, is adorable and widely talked about.

Photographer Kei Sato's Pursuit of Hokkaido's Wildlife

Kei Sato, who photographed the Shima-Enaga, is a wildlife photographer who has spent over 10 years visiting Daisetsuzan. He boasts numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest and the Nagaoka Award & Grand Prize at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest.

He has also appeared on Nippon TV's "Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!" (To the Ends of the Earth!) and "Aa!! Minna no Doubutsuen" (Oh!! Everyone's Zoo), where his photographic skills and love for animals have captured the hearts of many viewers.

☕ Make Coffee Time Special in 2026

As the new year begins, why not review your daily coffee ritual?

Even on a busy morning, just 5 minutes. The time spent gazing at the wildlife on the package while pouring hot water will bring peace to your mind. A cup enjoyed while envisioning Hokkaido's magnificent nature will be a special experience, different from your usual coffee.

3 Tips for a New Year Coffee Ritual

🐿️ More Popular Hokkaido Animals!

At TAISETSU COFFEE, in addition to the Red Fox and Shima-Enaga, many other Hokkaido wild animals adorn our packages.

• Ezo Momonga (Siberian Flying Squirrel): The "fairy of the forest" with large black eyes.
• Ezo Risu (Hokkaido Squirrel): Its fluffy tail is its charm point.
• Ezo Shika (Hokkaido Sika Deer): Hokkaido's largest herbivore with magnificent antlers.
• Higuma (Brown Bear): Revered as the "mountain god" in Ainu culture.
• Ezo Naki Usagi (Hokkaido Pika): A rare species called a "survivor of the Ice Age."
• Ezo Okojo (Hokkaido Stoat): A small hunter that turns pure white in winter.

🎁 Perfect for New Year Greetings and Gifts

New Year's greetings, New Year's gifts, small tokens of appreciation—how about Hokkaido wild animal coffee for your 2026 gifts?

• For New Year's gifts: Beautiful packaging to adorn the new year.
• For birthdays: Choose the recipient's favorite animal.
• For thank-you gifts: A simple yet special small gift.
• For Hokkaido souvenirs: Gift memories of your trip.

We also offer original gift boxes for special presents.

🌟 2026, With Hokkaido's Nature

The wild animals of Hokkaido, surviving the harsh winter. Their presence teaches us the beauty of nature and the strength of life.

In 2026, why not make your daily coffee time a special moment connected to Hokkaido's magnificent nature?

Thank you for your continued support of TAISETSU COFFEE this year.
May you have a wonderful year. ☕✨

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