Shirakami-Sanchi was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in December 1993 - listed first for Japan - because of its almost intact forest of beech trees and an ecosystem that is globally valuable. It is our duty to protect and inherit not only the rare animals living in the area such like as black bears, Japanese macaques, black woodpeckers, and golden eagles, but the magnificence of nature itself, for the next generation. This photo was taken by Michael Yamashita, who was impressed with the natural beauty of Shirakami.