Exploring the Secrets of Urban Wild Birds: "Why Did Birds Choose the City? An Urban Bird Watching Guidebook" Published

Yamato Keikokusha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Hirofumi Ninomiya), which operates media business in the mountain and nature fields within the Impress Group, published "Why Did Birds Choose the City? An Urban Bird Watching Guidebook" on July 3, 2026.

Cities are home not only to crows and rock doves, but also to various other wild birds if you look closely. Some wild birds, like the blue rock thrush, have recently moved into urban areas. Why did they come to the city? When did they first arrive? This book explains the interesting ecology of wild birds that live tough lives in the city, using illustrations and text.

The book features 45 species in total, from common birds like sparrows and rock doves to the recently popular Japanese tit and blue rock thrush. The explanations are by Yoshihide Shibata, a science journalist and secretary of the Urban Bird Research Group, who has extensive experience writing for wild bird guides. Based on his many years of research and observation, the text, along with lively and enjoyable illustrations by biomotion illustrator Shun Anzai, introduces the ecology of wild birds living in urban environments.

This book is enjoyable for everyone from bird watching beginners to intermediate and advanced enthusiasts. It can also be helpful for children looking for topics for their independent studies.

*This book is an excerpt, addition, and edit of the series "Birds Have Started 'City Living'" (84 installments) that was serialized in the monthly magazine "BIRDER" (Bunichi Sogo Publishing) from the April 2018 issue to the March 2025 issue.

[Authors]

Yoshihide Shibata = Text

Shun Anzai = Illustrations

[Specifications]

A5 size, all color, 128 pages

Price: 1980 yen (1800 yen + 10% tax)

ISBN978-4-635-23031-5

Book Details: https://www.yamakei.co.jp/products/2826230310.html

[Author Introduction]

Yoshihide Shibata (Shibata Yoshihide)

Born in Tokyo in 1965. Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture. Covered the Arctic and Africa as a TV director, producing many NHK nature programs such as "Seikatsu Chikyu Kiko" and "Chikyu Fushigi Daishizen." Became a freelancer in 2005, engaging in writing, supervision, and lectures. His major works include "Kodansha's Moving Encyclopedia MOVE Birds" (Kodansha) and "Field Guide to the Walking Path: 100 Wild Birds You Might Encounter Tomorrow" (Yamato Keikokusha). Member of the Ornithological Society of Japan, Secretary of the Urban Bird Research Group.

Shun Anzai (Anzai Shun)

Born in Saitama in 1984. A biomotion illustrator for encyclopedias and children's books. His major works include "Why is the Pond Water Drained?" (Kumon Publishing). His illustrations can be found in "Monotropa uniflora (Many Wonders June 2026 Issue)" (Fukuinkan Shoten), "Nagaragawa Waku Waku Tanken Go Design" (Nagaragawa Railway), and "Yokoyama Visitor Center Wall Painting" (Ministry of the Environment). In recent years, he has also provided illustrations for researchers' papers.

[Yamato Keikokusha] https://www.yamakei.co.jp/

Founded in 1930. In addition to publishing business centered on the monthly magazine "Yamato Keikoku" covering mountains, nature science, outdoor activities, lifestyle, and health, the company also develops online media and services.

Furthermore, the company engages in solution business aimed at regional revitalization in collaboration with corporations and local governments, with mountain climbing and outdoor activities as themes.

[Impress Group] https://www.impressholdings.com/

Impress Holdings, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Yuki Tsukamoto) is a media group with Impress Holdings, Inc. as its holding company. It develops highly specialized media & services and solution businesses with main themes of "IT/Design," "Music," "Mountains/Nature," "Aviation/Railways," "Mobile Services," and "Academia/Science and Technology." Additionally, it handles the development and operation of content business platforms.

[Contact for this matter]

Yamato Keikokusha Co., Ltd. Contact: Yuji Kamiya

Jinbocho Mitsui Building, 1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051

TEL03-6744-1900 E-mail: [email protected]

https://www.yamakei.co.jp/

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