One of the areas that is a part of my annual Hokkaido workshop is Rausu, a very popular area among photographers visiting Hokkaido hoping to capture that quintessential birding shot.  The name ‘Rausu’ actually has two meanings, both coming from the First Nations People of Japan, the Ainu’s language.  The prevailing translation is ‘Low-land’ which means that there are ample locations for the many photogenic birds common to this location.  The second translation is much more primal, “The land of men with a beast-like spirit.”  The Ainu people of the area undoubtedly explored and tracked the different wildlife through the area, but they have always been careful to strike a balance with nature, only hunting to meet their necessities and offering respect for the ample Hokkaido wildlife, living in peace among it.