The Asian crested ibises, an endangered bird species with distinctive long, curved bills and pink-tinged wings, are receiving renewed attention in Japan as they are released back into the wild. This significant event took place on Honshu, Japan’s main island, where the Japanese crown prince and princess attended a ceremony marking the release of eight ibises. This is the first time in over half a century that these birds have flown freely in Japan. Once common across the country and in parts of China, Korea, and Russia, crested ibises have faced drastic population declines due to habitat destruction and hunting, leading them to the brink of extinction. Their recovery is viewed as a symbol of effective conservation measures and international cooperation. Historically, the crested ibis, referred to as “Toki” in Japanese, has been celebrated in literature and culture, with references dating back to the eighth century. The royal family's involvement in this event highlights the importance of these birds in Japanese heritage and the ongoing efforts to restore their population.