Overview
- Eight captive-bred crested ibises were released from wooden cages in Hakui city on Sunday, May 31, 2026, marking the first recorded presence of the species on Honshu in 56 years.
- Residents and officials cheered as Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko cut a ribbon to open the cages during a ceremony attended by local and national conservation representatives.
- The birds were raised at the Sado Island conservation centre, where staged releases since 2008 have helped the local population grow to about 500 birds.
- Japan’s revival effort began with a pair donated by China in 1999 that enabled captive breeding, and the Environment Ministry says ten more captive-bred ibises remain at Sado awaiting phased release.
- Local farmers reduced pesticide use in paddy fields and officials set up monitoring and habitat measures to support the reintroduction and to gauge whether the ibises will establish breeding sites beyond Sado.