Photographer Captures Video of Japanese ‘Bowing’ Deer in Surreal Cherry Blossom Scenery

Photographer Captures Video of Japanese ‘Bowing’ Deer in Surreal Cherry Blossom Scenery
Illustration - brinlietravels/Shutterstock
Epoch Inspired Staff
Updated:

As a chill settles into the autumn air, some people might already be dreaming of spring. It may warm their hearts to fantasize balmy breezes, green grass, and pink cherry blossoms.

Well, fantasize no longer.

Last spring, Japanese photographer Kazuki Ikeda captured some surreal spring scenery in the cherry blossom capital of the world—Japan—and the world-famous, bowing Sika deer were seen there, frolicking like they’re in heaven.
And the video is here for you to enjoy in all its pink cherry blossom glory.
(Illustration - brinlietravels/Shutterstock)
Illustration - brinlietravels/Shutterstock

Back in March, as the pandemic had people locked down in their homes across the globe, the Sika deer of Nara Park found themselves without human visitors to bow to, or to feed them.

Ikeda’s video, taken during a pre-wedding photoshoot, shows the deer idling in a pink, cherry blossom-covered paradise with spectacular pink canopies stretching overhead catching the sunlight above.

A splendid spring scene like nowhere else.

(Illustration - Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock)
Illustration - Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock
After the surreal video was taken, Ikeda commenced the photoshoot with an elegant Japanese betrothed couple dressed in exquisite traditional wedding attire, posing together in the idyllic Nara Park (just a short train ride from Osaka).

The Sika deer have made Nara Park famous, and have also captured hearts across the internet for having adapted the Japanese custom of bowing, adorably, which they do to “ask” tourists for deer crackers (sold in the park).

In March, when the lockdown had people shut in their homes, and the park was emptied of people, the deer were left crackerless, and they wandered into urban areas in search of food.

(Illustration - Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock)
Illustration - Bule Sky Studio/Shutterstock

But as more people began to frequent the park again, so too did the Sika deer.

The unusually polite deer are considered a national treasure in Japan. Nara Park itself has also been awarded a certificate of excellence on TripAdvisor.

Photographer Ikeda hopes his photography will encourage more people to get out again to enjoy the park, and all of its beauty, or at least will bring some cheer to those still suffering from the lockdown blues.

“The pandemic is exhausting the hearts of people all over the world,” Ikeda told Bored Panda. “I hope this video makes people around the world feel at ease.”
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Epoch Inspired Staff
Epoch Inspired Staff
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Epoch Inspired staff cover stories of hope that celebrate kindness, traditions, and triumph of the human spirit, offering valuable insights into life, culture, family and community, and nature.
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