When your culture is so polite that even the wildlife starts learning manners.

the deer seem to know what selfies are...

World needs more places like this. I'm not an animalist or peta member, I'm not even a vegan. I like to eat meat but we need to have more respect towards our "roomates" animals.

Omg they bow

Japan's original country name NIPPON means "country under the sun," but the traditional name of the country when the capital was here in Nara was YAMATO (WA). Yamato means "land of great harmony between people and nature. For about 1,300 years since the Emperor established the capital of Japan in Nara, deer have been traditionally cherished as messengers of the sacred gods of this island nation blessed with nature, until the present day. The deer know that humans think so from generation to generation, so even though the city has changed its appearance, the deer still feel safe and comfortable living here. Deer do not live in Nara Park all day, nor do they appear to be kept in captivity. At night, the deer return to the mountains to sleep.　During the day, they come down to the park to feed and relax.　 Their daily rotation seems to be like that. They are regarded as sacred animals, messengers of the gods, because of a legend that when one of the four gods enshrined at Kasuga Taisya Shrine moved from the shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture to the land of Yamato (Nara), the deer protected and led the god along the way and brought him to this place. For 1,300 years, people have been told not to bully the deer, the messengers of the gods. The history of Japan is very old, about 2,000 years since the Emperor's reign, but humans began to live in villages and communities in this island nation about 14,000 years ago, during “the JOMON pottery” culture. (That's 30,000 years ago, if you count the Neolithic period.) Surrounded on all sides by the sea and geographically isolated from the Eurasian continent in the Pacific Ocean, this island nation has a warm and humid climate, and because it is a volcanic island, it is blessed with abundant underground clear water resources, diverse vegetation, and fishery resources. For this reason, people have lived here for tens of thousands of years, enjoying the abundant nature and living in peace with nature. Since ancient times, the people of this land have respected human harmony and have lived in peace by working together as a group. However, while the natural environment of this island nation is rich to live, it is also harsh to live and has both light and dark sides. They have shared and enjoyed the blessings of nature by pooling their wisdom and collectively overcoming numerous severe and harsh natural disasters, such as frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons in summer, heavy snowfall in winter, and plagues caused by the proliferation of bacteria due to the warm and humid climate. This is because this island nation has a harsh natural environment that cannot be overcome by a single person. Individual power is too weak to face the onslaught of nature, which can destroy the wealth we have built overnight. Therefore, They believed that many people should suppress their egos, avoiding confrontation, and work together to create a livable environment and maintain public cleanliness, and then work together to prevent disasters before they occur and to restore the environment immediately after they have occurred. They believed that this is the most wise, efficient, and rational way to maintain peace and freedom in each other's lives, this would bring about better results rather than to create more chaos by insisting on each other's selfishness. because of the environment in which disasters frequently occur that cannot be resolved by individual power alone. And this thinkings have given rise to Japan's unique teachings, culture, and behavior. For example, it is fundamentally connected to the Japanese mindset of "Behaving in a way that does not bother others in public places," "Helping each other if someone is in trouble," and "Not doing bad things even if no one is watching." And one of the teachings of the ancient Shinto religion, "Purify yourself (kiyome) by getting rid of Defilement (kegare)," has been taken over today as a basic manner to "Not pollute even in public places," to “Always keep the environment clean”, and to make everyone, regardless of status or gender, feel comfortable equally. This is also the wisdom of living in the drastically changing natural environment unique to the island countries. And this wisdom has been formed into a unique Japanese culture over a long period of time. The ancient name of Japan, "YAMATO" or "WA" (peaceful harmony between people and nature), represents the wishes and reality of the people who have been trying to survive in the rich and harsh natural environment unique to island countries, which is different from the dry and stable land of the Eurasian continent. And it is in this ancient Japanese country name "WA,YAMATO" that the essence of Japanese culture, the origin and secret of its unique culture, which is very different from the cultures of other Asian countries on the continent, is hidden. Even as time passes and the surface of the city changes, nothing remains the same in terms of what lies at the root of Japan's unique culture.　The common root of the originality of Japanese culture is the uniqueness of its geopolitical location and the influence of its natural environment. Even if Japanese people import culture and knowledge from abroad, they are not dominated by it. After a certain period of time, they select and discard the content, integrate it with their own culture, make improvements, and eventually create a new style. This is the result of adaptive behavior for survival in the unique natural environment of the island of Japan, which is completely different from the natural environment of the continent, and was born over a long period of history.

I came here to say that deers in Nara bow ; I was so happy that they got a footage! It's not a joke, they do know how to bow. Some of them act like vandals, and others are more respectful, but overall the cohabitation with deers is peaceful. Interestingly enough, it is not the only such place in Japan. You find the same with monkeys, foxes, wild rabits, and deers

At the east side of Nara park, there is sanctuary "春日奥山" spanning approximately 250 hectares where any animals including deer are living safely. The deer were not robbed of the wild mountains they should live in. Their main food is grasses in Nara park. Deers eat「鹿せんべい」（”Sika Senbei", Deer bisquit) as desserts. They don't depend 「鹿せんべい」（”Sika Senbei", Deer bisquit).

I've always loved European cultures. When I was in highschool 10 years ago, I got to visit Italy and Greece. Now I've been researching and saving up for a trip to Japan as a present for my friend. During my prepping, I've just fallen in love with Japan. Japan from what I've seen is the most magical place on earth and I can't wait to see it. And that sent me down the rabbit hole of so many Asian countries. I'm hooked now. Thailand, Bhutan, China, Mongolia. I can't wait :)

Did you know that the deer in Nara are so used to human culture that they wait walk across the street until the light turns green?

Some people may say that this is just about animals learning what gets them an easy meal, or a tourist attraction for many, but regardless, this is an amazing display of trust. Think about how many people must manhandle the deer on a daily basis, even if they aren't hurting them. It's true respect and trust from both sides.

I love this! Humans and deer, peacefully coexisting. And the deer are still free and wild, able to come and go as they please.

This was the most peaceful place we've ever been to in Japan

People's of Japan are so so Good ❤️❤️

Aww I love this Japan series. Please also cover Cat Islands, Rabbit Islands, Fox Village etc

I'm in Kyoto Japan right now & it's my first time in Japan ... I always wanted to see this city & the deer in it .... I did today & it was amazing they wer so quite & calm the only sound of the hole place was of the laughter of all the tourist & there kids tourist from China USA Korea & everywhere ..... One last thing they really lower there head to u for food if u do the same to them lol I love Japan & deer now

Because of this programme I've booked my trip to Japan for September, can't wait to see the deers in Nara!!

Just visited Nara Park and Todai-Ji (the Buddhist temple shown) over New Year's while staying in Kyoto. The deer had such character lol.

Now I know it make sense why Nara clan has deers in Naruto hehe

I’ve got a family of deer that live in the woods of my backyard. I’ve gotten within a few of them, but never close enough to pet. I do very much enjoy having them around.

The deer of nara are so cute and polite yet they are wild animals but people and the deer coexist together

I loved visting there, but I'd say only maybe half of the deer will bow to you, the rest just glare like "where's my food" lol

この頃に修学旅行に行ったわ　懐かしい

I like how the deer are just part of the crowd. Just clear coexistence, So wholesome

They’re so photogenic, they even pose for pictures lmao

Deer has been the messenjar of the God for thousand years here in the shrine .

Japan is so precious.

For some reason, this restores my faith in humanity

The perfect balance of urban and nature. Perhaps a devine presence is there. It is clear that if you remain calm and do not run around like a fool the deer react accordingly. Would love to visit.

Even tha japanese deer so polite 😮😮😮😮 so nice

They are SO cute. I would hug and pet them.

everyone walking around like this is normal... like wtf id be stopping every time a deer got within reaching distance and pet them for as long as i could... crazy to see how accustomed the deer are to the crowds too. actually a beautiful thing

鹿のお辞儀のポーズは挨拶じゃないよ。少しいらだってる時のものだから、あまりエサやりを焦らすと怒り出すからね。 それにしても、このカメラ撮影はさすがプロですね。Ｇｏｏｄですな。ｗｗ

Thank you BBC, for this stunning (and adorable) video.

Very nice video. Thank you BBC.

That's amazing I've never heard of anything like this before :)

Nice place! I visited and met the deers who bowed me..

Deer eyes are too cute

Beautiful place

鹿がせんべい食べて帰った、てだけの話を神秘的なアトモスフィアに味付けする演出の技。

really looking forward to this series. Nara is a great place to visit if you are staying near the Kyoto area

I freaking love this

i wish the whole world was like this, just animals walking around in amongts human civilizations. super cool. just not the ones that want to eat us.

This is so beautiful

isnt it Peaceful Just by Looking at these Videos makes me wanna Travel to Nara Temple. Such Majesty. and its Great to see Deers walking without no hesitation of being Shot. Wow... Just Wow...

Amazing

Nara is not just an oldest town in Japan. It was the capital in 8th century!

I've been there it was awesome, now I just need to go to cat island, fox village and the monkey hot spring..... and from an animal behavior view to me the head bowing just looks like they are threatening you with a head but unless you give up the snack but then it probably just turned into a trained trick at some point XD

My experience was like those bashful girls running away LOL. I bought a bag of biscuits and ended throwing the whole lot at once because I got surrounded by deer who were borderline attacking me for them.

Love to go here

When I lived in Oregon, a young male deer once stood between me and his mother. He bowed to me, so I bowed back. This went back and forth about five times, and then he stopped and went back to grazing, ignoring my presence from then on.

these have officially become my bedtime stories lmaoo

he example is "bow action", but one theory says that it is a desire to "feed fast", so Do not panic and feed immediately, otherwise you will be bitten or attacked.

That is too. fucking. cool.

Oh thats so cool

0:56 even deers know to set left foot first into the gate

So, for the past 10 minutes I have been looping the footage starting at 1:11 with "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.

Glad to know more about Nara, especially the deers. They're so cute :3 until they started chasing u...

Shikamarus, Shikamarus every!

Graceful deers

A rather strange application of the skinner box and the fine line between tame and domestication.

Visit Oatman, Arizona sometime.

Ceux qui respecte la nature seront sauvé

How enchanting!!!

Deers certainly know when you have biscuits.

ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ japan.

They bow!!!

good

Sucks that the deers in my province are now locally extinct. They look so much alike with the deers in the videos.

Been there, on the deer feeding stations it says 'deer food, tastes horrible for humans'.... no shit.

what!!! i heard deer crossing but wow. i beat touched crossing button

I was going place this.

Is it just me or the voice narrating is Lady Mary from Downton Abbey?

More animals should be regarded as sacred.

Beautiful Video! (Jesimiel Millar Fernåndez)3

Lovely 💞🦌💞

When I went to that temple, a deer knocked my ham sandwich out of my hand and swallowed it in one gulp. It did not bow at all. I think it was a New York City deer when it was younger.

They look hangry and thristy.

Deer say「Pay for portrait rights(鹿煎餅)」

That's Real Green Country Philosophy...

奈良行きたい〜 鹿に鹿せんべいあげたい〜🦌

我想去那边。。💖💖😻

Take photos before buying the snacks

Follow the food...

Me: *comes home with horde of deer* Mom:........ Me: these are your grandchildren now

2:26 "Boop"

"Get my good side!"

また行きたいなぁ(*´∇`*)

I want to get along with to make a pretty girl friend from Nara to more chance to visit to re met the Statue of large Buddha and Deer around the Nara Park in front of the Todaiji temple. Because actually I really love to visit Nara since I was 14years old boy, 9years grade school student that time. That also the Sacred place for the human like us.

Pls take care of all animals, without they we r nothing 😭

I went here when I was little and one of the deers ate my ice cream cone

It's a fascinating place, but the deer can be quite aggressive. I myself decided not to feed them when I saw what happened to other people.

Deer fam until I die.

I heard the Deers are like the Yakuza. Give them food(Money) and they are kind and respectful but will kick your ass if you don't have anything YOU Owe XD

💞😍

A real wonderland. Walt Disney would endorse!

nanwu amitabastu

a question I keep thinking: is the bowing genetic, or just learned? Perhaps both?

If the gods can ride the deer, the deer can be trained as ride animals.

2:33 that women was clearly ahead of her time. She knew about COVID -19 in 2015

Nara shikamaru....