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About the Ezo Chipmunk

• Hokkaido Endemic Subspecies: A Hokkaido subspecies of the Siberian chipmunk (scientific name: Tamias sibiricus lineatus). It measures 12-15 cm in length and weighs 71-116 g. It is characterized by five black stripes on its back.
• Amazing Cheek Pouches: Its cheek pouches, into which it alternately stuffs food, can hold up to six acorns from Japanese oak (three on each side). Its "chubby cheeks" are adorable and popular.
• Forest Gardener: Its "scatter hoarding" behavior, where it digs 2 cm deep holes in the ground to bury seeds in preparation for hibernation, helps nurture the forest. It stores an average of 1,192g of food in its nest and wakes up once every 10 days during hibernation to eat.
• Six-Month Hibernation: It hibernates for 5-7 months, from October to April of the following year. Unlike bears, it does not accumulate body fat but has a unique ecology where it survives the winter solely on stored food.
• From Mountains to Coast: It inhabits the entire Hokkaido region, from coastal forests to the alpine zone of Daisetsuzan, which is over 2,000m high. It prefers open environments and is often seen standing on two legs to watch for danger.

About the Photographer

Kei Sato captures moments of Hokkaido's wildlife.

An animal photographer born in Rumoi City, Hokkaido, in 1979. Representative of SLASH Photo Office, OM SYSTEM PRO SERVICE member, and MILLET Ambassador. He has climbed Daisetsuzan for over 10 years, documenting the ecology of Ezo chipmunks and Ezo pikas. He received the Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest and the Nagaoka Award at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest. His books include "The Mountain Gardener: Ezo Chipmunk" and "Connecting Through Cries: Ezo Pika."

Recommended Occasions

• Homecoming gift to Hokkaido
• Gift for wildlife lovers
• Premium souvenir for nature enthusiasts
• Special gift for coffee lovers
• Gift to share Hokkaido memories

Package Contents

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

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

About the Premium Souvenir

TAISETSU COFFEE is coffee packaged with photos of Hokkaido's wildlife. Precious moments of Ezo chipmunks captured by Kei Sato are vividly printed. Featuring luxurious packaging and carefully selected coffee beans, it is an ideal high-quality gift that evokes the nature of Hokkaido.