In northern Japan, beech trees dominate the forest. They've evolved a strategy of living long, growing taller than the other trees, and reacting quickly to the lengthening days of spring.

Throughout the forest winter begins to lose its grip. But this interval between seasons is still dangerous for the trees. Forest birds like this dusky thrush have remained active throughout the winter, and while pickings may be lean, nothing goes to waste.

With the orchestrated precision of a symphony the forest reacts to spring. Dog-tooth violets bloom just in time to attract their pollinator - a butterfly.

These images are taken from NHNZ Images, movie clips which are available for you to purchase for your production.