21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
CORONA

In Mt. Zao, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, a rare winter phenomenon called "Juhyo" can be seen. "Juhyo" is called "Snow Monster" because of its unusual shape. They are created by westerlies causing humid and strong winds and a lot of snow, and snow and ice repeatedly blowing on "Abies mariesii", a type of fir tree peculiar to Japan. Currently, many of Abies mariesii are dying due to the outbreak of longhorn beetles and moths. The temperature in Yamagata has risen by 2 degrees Celsius compared to 80 years ago. This is due to global warming, where temperatures continue to rise. The amount of snow has decreased, the size of "Juhyo" has decreased year by year, and the number of collapses has increased due to sudden storms and rain. The purpose of this project is to share this wonderful phenomenon with people and prevent it from being lost due to global warming.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Yamagata, Japan
Camera: NIKON D4S
Copyright: © KAZUAKI KOSEKI