Crane Games

Photograph by Mitsuhiko Kamada

Endangered red-crowned cranes wade through frosty waters on a cold morning in Tsurui, Hokkaido, Japan. Here, they're considered one of Japan's hundred soundscapes a nationwide effort meant to combat noise pollution, promote the environment, and create symbols for local people of everyday life in Japan.

This photo and caption were submitted to the 2014 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Winners will be announced July 31.

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