Wild friends in East Hokkaido
#3 Marimo of Lake Akan

The eastern Hokkaido is surrounded by dramatic nature,and there are many opportunities to encounter wildlife, rare plants, and bacteria.

Continued from previous post, we will introduce some of the wild friends in surrounding environment you can meet in the eastern Hokkaido region.



▼Previous Posts

Wild friends in East Hokkaido #1 Ezo Deer

https://www.kamuylumina.jp/en/sp/enjoy/enjoy-4278/


Wild friends in East Hokkaido #2 Birds in the forest

https://www.kamuylumina.jp/en/sp/enjoy/enjoy-4378/



Today, we will introduce the "Marimo of Lake Akan" .

Many people(mostly Japanese) may think of marimo when they think of Lake Akan, but what exactly is its ecology?

What on earth is Marimo?

Marimo is a plant. Marimo exist in various forms underwater.

The filamentous marimo is its original form, and it lives in the lake by sticking together or separating, changing its shape.

Marimo that can be seen differs depending on the location within Lake Akan.

Marimo exists all over the world. However, these are not round marimo.

It is said that round marimo were once seen in Lake Mývatn in Iceland, but now only small, pebble-sized ones are observed.

What makes Lake Akan marimo different from marimo in other regions is that they form large collections in a round shape.

Marimo at Lake Akan has been protected by humans.

Marimo have faced the threat of extinction many times due to deforestation, deterioration of the lake environment due to the inflow of domestic wastewater due to tourism, and theft. Although the number of marimo in Chuurui Bay was decreasing, the "marimo of Lake Akan" was designated as a national natural monument in 1921, and in 1952, it was designated as a special natural monument and protected by the national government.

In order to protect Marimo, it is essential to protect the surrounding natural environment, including Lake Akan, and the entire town needs to work together to protect it.

There is also an initiative by the townspeople to return Marimo that have washed up on the shore due to bad weather to the lake.

In addition to advancing scientific research, efforts are being made to create a system in which local people and related organizations can cooperate to protect marimos.

Marimo Festival

The "Marimo Festival'' is held every October to show people's feelings towards marimo.

The Marimo Festival began in 1955, when marimo was in crisis.

Theft and smuggling are rampant, and the water level of Lake Akan is dropping due to the release of a lot of water for hydroelectric power generation, causing marimo to come out into the air... At that time, the Marimo Festival began with the idea, "Let's return the marimo to the lake and protect the marimo.''

The Marimo Festival is a traditional ceremony held by the Ainu people to express gratitude and respect for the rich nature of Lake Akan through marimo.

Due to the pandemic, the event has been scaled down for past few years, but this year it will be held as usual, so if you are interested, please check the official website for further information.

Where to see marimo?

■Akankohan Eco Museum Center

Address

1-1-1 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467

Business hours

9:00~17:00 (subject to change depending on the season)

*Closed: Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a holiday, the following Wednesday)

■Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center

Address

Shitakara, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0220

Lake Akan Chuurui Island

Business hours

Depends on the operation status of the sightseeing boat

https://www.akankisen.com/exBoat1.html

Marimo of Lake Akan has been preserved through the efforts of many people.

If you know the background, you might find it even more endearing.

When you visit Lake Akan, be sure to take a look at the big, round marimo!