Saving Japan's exceptionally rare 'snow monsters'

Summary

Across Japan's alpine zones, temperatures have been rising faster than the global average since the 1980s. "In scenarios where climate change continues to advance significantly by the end of this century, it is possible that in warmer-than-usual winters, juhyo may no longer form at all," Ito says.The threat has prompted action across Yamagata. In March 2023, the prefecture launched the Juhyo Revival Conference – a permanent council bringing together researchers, officials, local businesses and residents to coordinate long-term efforts to restore the fir forests and preserve Mount Zao's snow monsters.Juhyo are not only a natural spectacle but also a pillar of the local economy. "The influx of tourists supports hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops throughout the area," says Genji Akiba, deputy director of the Zao Onsen Tourism Association. "If the juhyo disappear, it would be a huge blow.""Revival is a strong wish of our citizens," says Yoko Honma, a conservation specialist at Yamagata Prefecture's nature division. Since 2019, the local forest office has transplanted more than 190 naturally regenerated saplings from lower slopes to the summit zone near the ropeway station. "Because it takes 50 to 70 years for these firs to mature, the key is sustaining conservation across generations," says Honma. "We need patience and continuity."Yanagisawa Fumitaka/ Tohoku Regional Forest OfficeAn area of Mount Zao's Jizōdake summit in 2010 (top left), 2013 (top right), 2020 (lower left) and 2025 (lower right) (Credit: Yanagisawa Fumitaka/ Tohoku Regional Forest Office)