Eating Bistort / Siberian Chipmunk (064)

About the Ezo Chipmunk

Hokkaido's "mountain gardener" that nurtures the forests. This photo captures the adorable sight of it eating the alpine plant "Mukago Toranoo."

• Endemic Hokkaido Subspecies: A Hokkaido subspecies of the Siberian chipmunk (scientific name: Tamias sibiricus lineatus). It measures 12-15cm in length and weighs 71-116g. It is characterized by five black stripes on its back.
• Feeding Scene: Mukago Toranoo is a white, spike-like flower that blooms in alpine areas like the Daisetsuzan mountains. Chipmunks particularly enjoy eating the seeds (bulbils) of this plant.
• Amazing Cheek Pouches: Its cheek pouches, into which it alternately stuffs food on the left and right, can hold up to 6 acorns. Its munching appearance is adorable!
• Forest Gardener: Its "scatter hoarding" behavior, where it buries seeds in the ground in preparation for hibernation, helps nurture the forest.
• Six Months of Hibernation: It hibernates for 5-7 months from October to April of the following year. It survives the winter on its stored food.

About the Photographer

Kei Sato - An wildlife photographer who continues to pursue Hokkaido's wild nature

Born in Rumoi City, Hokkaido, in 1979. Representative of SLASH Photo Office, OM SYSTEM PRO SERVICE member, and MILLET ambassador. He has been climbing Daisetsuzan for over 10 years, documenting the ecology of Ezo chipmunks and Ezo pikas.

Books: 'Yama no Engei-ya-san Ezo Shimarisu (The Mountain Gardener: Ezo Chipmunk),' 'Kei Sato Photo Collection: Secret Scenic Spots in Hokkaido,' 'Ezo Naki Usagi: Building Bonds Through Cries (Ezo Pika: Building Bonds Through Cries)'

Awards: Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest, Nagaoka Award and Nikkor Grand Prize (Part 3) at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest

Photo Exhibitions: 2024 OM SYSTEM GALLERY "Bird Shadows ~ Hokkaido, Paradise for Wild Birds," etc. Also appeared on Nippon TV's "Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!" and "Ahh!! Minna no Doubutsuen."

Recommended for

• A gift for chipmunk lovers
• A souvenir from a trip to Hokkaido
• A gift for animal fans
• A special gift for coffee lovers
• For those who love cute things

Pack Contents

Home-roasted Coffee Beans (10g) - One cup's worth

• Low acidity, easy-to-drink dark roast
• Blend of carefully selected beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, etc.
• Best before: 12 months from roasting date
• Package size: 120mm × 100mm × 5mm

About the Premium Souvenir

TAISETSU COFFEE offers drip coffee with packaging featuring wildlife photos from Hokkaido. The vivid scene of an Ezo chipmunk munching on food, captured by Kei Sato, is printed on the package. It is an ideal high-quality gift that evokes the nature of Hokkaido.