By Wonsuh Song
This weekend, I visited Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, a beloved spot known as Tokyo’s most desirable neighborhood for several consecutive years. Its beautiful pond and dual-part zoo, one specifically focused on birds, makes it a peaceful refuge for many Tokyoites.
Amid this tranquility, I encountered an unexpected, shocking scene. In an open feeding area intended for ducks and swans, wild pigeons freely feasted on the provided food. Suddenly, a crow swooped down—not for the grain but directly at a pigeon, swiftly capturing and devouring it right in front of me and other startled visitors. The confined space left the pigeon no chance to escape, turning a peaceful observation into a terrifying spectacle.
As I left the park, I saw five crows finishing off what remained of the pigeon. It struck me deeply that nature’s law has no consideration for morals or empathy. Just as pigeons had taken food meant for others, the crow saw the pigeon itself as prey. Nature’s rules are harsh, immediate, and unforgiving.
This shocking experience overshadowed the park’s beauty, but it taught me profound lessons about the true nature of wildlife ecosystems. Such brutal honesty from nature might disturb us, yet it reminds us of fundamental truths about survival and the stark realities of the natural world.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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