The red crowned crane has a very special place in Japanese folklore as a symbol of long life and happiness. It has for thousands of years been portrayed in sculpture, crafts and especially painting. The charisma of the crane is not surprising in view of its size, elegant form and clear contrasting colors - white, black and red. The other reason for its special place is that the cranes mate for life. The appearance of the crane and its pair bonding behavior combine to produce a visual spectacle almost unsurpassed in the natural world. - Robert Bateman