Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Amin Tawar
What is National Animal of Japan
The national animal of Japan is unofficially the Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor).
Japan actually doesn’t have an officially designated national animal. However, the Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) is widely considered the national bird and holds a special place in Japanese culture.
Here’s why the Green Pheasant is such a significant animal:
- Scientific Name: Phasianus versicolor
- Endemic to Japan: This brightly colored bird is unique to the Japanese archipelago, not found anywhere else in the world.
- Cultural Symbol: The Green Pheasant features prominently in Japanese folklore and mythology. In some legends, it’s seen as the messenger of Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
- Long History: Green pheasants have inhabited Japan for over a million years, symbolizing resilience and the country’s rich natural history.
- Striking Appearance: The male Green Pheasant is particularly stunning, with vibrant bottle-green breast feathers and a bright red facial patch.
