Protect Okinawa Wildlife

For the past eight years I have devoted myself to photographing the rare and remarkable wildlife of the Yambaru jungles in both northern and southern Okinawa. There are many ways to protect Okinawa wildlife, one such way is through photography. Each encounter has deepened my appreciation of their fragile world and sharpened my awareness of just how precarious their survival is. The looming threats of habitat loss and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade place immense pressure on these endemic species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. To help raise awareness, I’ve created a set of eight vibrant, UV-treated stickers designed for display on vehicles, each one celebrating a different species that calls Yambaru home. Carrying the species by common names and the message to Protect Okinawa Wildlife, these are more than just stickers—they are small emblems of protection, reminders that Okinawa’s natural heritage is worth safeguarding.

The complete series of stickers are all based on photographs I've taken over the years.

Anderson’s Crocodile Newt
This striking amphibian, with its dark skin and vivid orange markings, is a living jewel of the Yambaru forests. Sadly, it has been relentlessly targeted by the illegal pet trade, and its slow reproduction makes recovery difficult. Protecting its streams and damp forest floors is essential for its survival.

Ishikawa’s Frog (Blue Morph)
The blue morph is even rarer, a dazzling sapphire counterpart to its green kin. This form captures the imagination of all who encounter it and symbolizes just how unique and fragile Yambaru’s biodiversity truly is. Protecting these frogs means protecting their entire watershed.

Ryukyu Robin
The Ryukyu Robin, with its bright orange breast and melodic song, is a spirit of the forest that enchants all who hear it. Yet like many songbirds, it suffers from habitat loss and the encroachment of human activity. Keeping the jungle intact ensures this song continues to echo through the valleys.

Okinawa Rail
The Okinawa Rail is one of the island’s most celebrated symbols, a flightless bird found nowhere else in the world. It thrives only in undisturbed forest, making the preservation of Yambaru critical. Road mortality, falling prey to the invasive Mongoose, and shrinking habitat remain its greatest threats.

Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko
A nocturnal treasure, the Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko glitters with delicate patterns across its skin. Its slow movements and restricted range leave it vulnerable to illegal collection. Protecting it means respecting the integrity of the forest floor it calls home.

Ishikawa’s Frog (Green Morph)
Often called Japan’s most beautiful frog, the green morph of Ishikawa’s Frog gleams like polished emerald under the dim jungle light. Its reliance on pristine mountain streams highlights the urgent need to safeguard Okinawa’s freshwater ecosystems from development and pollution.

Okinawa Habu
Though often feared, the Okinawa Habu plays an important role in balancing the jungle’s ecosystem. This venomous snake is a natural regulator of rodent populations. Like all species, it deserves space in the web of life, free from persecution and unnecessary killing.

Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
Tiny and endearing, the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle is one of the smallest turtles in the world. Sadly, its beauty has made it a target for collectors, pushing it toward extinction. Its presence is a reminder of how delicate and irreplaceable Okinawa’s wildlife truly is.

Your presence in the Yambaru

The Yambaru jungle is a realm unlike any other—a place where life clings to every surface, from the tallest trees to the smallest streams. It is both a sanctuary and a responsibility. When visiting, it is vital to remain mindful of the impact our presence has. Respect the wildlife, stay on trails, and above all, leave no trace: no litter, no disturbance, only appreciation. The fate of these creatures, and of the jungle itself, rests on the choices we make.

You can click each of the species title listed above to be taken to my small online store where you can then show your support for this initiative. Show that sticker, and in doing so display your drive to help better protect Okinawa Wildlife.

Thanks.