Shimaenaga perched on a branch in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)
Walking along a snow-covered lakeside path in Hokkaido, you might catch the faint chirping of a bird. Look carefully, and you may spot a tiny white bird hopping from branch to branch — the Shimaenaga, often called the "snow fairy."
A Pocket-Sized Wonder
About 13 centimeters (5 inches) long, the Shimaenaga is a subspecies of the long-tailed tit (enaga) found across Japan, but it lives only in Hokkaido. Its name comes from its long tail, which resembles the handle of a ladle: e means "handle," and naga means "long."
The Shimaenaga stands out from the common long-tailed tit in appearance. While the enaga has a black stripe around its eyes that looks like eyebrows, the Shimaenaga's head is completely white.
A Flying Snowball
Visible year-round, the Shimaenaga fluffs its feathers in winter to keep warm, transforming into a tiny snowball. Its adorable appearance has made it popular not only with birdwatchers but also with the general public, boosting tourism and the local economy in Hokkaido.
Many people travel to Hokkaido just to catch a glimpse of the Shimaenaga. Moe Nakamura, 26, visiting Tomakomai from Kanagawa Prefecture, said with a smile, "It's my first time here, so I was lucky to see one. It was perfectly round and irresistibly cute."
At Craft Studio, a miscellaneous goods store, plush toys and handmade items featuring the Shimaenaga are displayed prominently along the aisles. The store began carrying these items eight years ago, and now the lineup includes around 100 different products.
A Room Full of Snow Fairies
Near JR Sapporo Station, the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo offers a Snow Fairy–themed room. Previously a limited-time attraction, the Shimaenaga room is now available year-round. Surrounded by plush toys, themed wallpaper, and books on the bird, visitors can also learn about wild birds and Hokkaido's natural environment, according to hotel staff.
In the Ainu language, the Shimaenaga is called "Upashichiri," meaning "snow bird." In the northern lands, where harsh winters stretch on, even a brief encounter with this charming little bird can warm the heart.
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Author: Kazuya Kamogawa, The Sankei Shimbun
