Ezo chipmunk (071)

About the Ezo Squirrel

Hokkaido's "Mountain Gardener" nurtures the forests of Hokkaido. With five black stripes on its back and adorably plump cheek pouches, it's a beloved creature.

• Hokkaido Endemic Subspecies: A Hokkaido subspecies of the Siberian Chipmunk (Scientific name: Tamias sibiricus lineatus). Body length 12-15cm, weight 71-116g.
• Amazing Cheek Pouches: Its cheek pouches, which it fills with food alternately on the left and right, can hold up to 6 acorns. "Plump cheeks" are very popular!
• Forest Gardener: The "scatter-hoarding" behavior of burying seeds in the ground to prepare for hibernation helps to nurture the forest. It stores an average of 1,192g of food in its nest.
• Six Months of Hibernation: Hibernates for 5-7 months from October to April of the following year. It does not store body fat, but survives the winter solely on stored food.
• From Mountains to Coast: Inhabits all of Hokkaido. It prefers open environments, and can often be seen standing on two feet to be vigilant.

About the Photographer

Kei Sato - An animal photographer who continues to chase Hokkaido's wildlife

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

Books: "Mountain Gardener Ezo Squirrel", "Kei Sato Photo Collection Secret Scenic Spots in Hokkaido", "Ezo Pika: Connecting Bonds with Calls"

Awards: Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest, Nagaoka Award & Third Division Nikkor Grand Prize at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest

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

Recommended for

• A gift for chipmunk lovers
• 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

Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans (10g) - One Cup's Worth

• Dark roast, low acidity and easy to drink
• Blend of carefully selected beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, etc.
• Shelf life: 12 months from roast date
• Package size: 120mm × 100mm × 5mm

About the Premium Souvenir

TAISETSU COFFEE is drip coffee with packaging featuring photos of Hokkaido's wild animals. Kei Sato's adorable images of the Ezo squirrel are vividly printed. It makes an excellent high-quality gift that evokes the nature of Hokkaido.