Why Japan’s national bird is a symbol of harmony and a master of survival

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The green pheasant is more than just Japan’s national bird; it is a resilient survivor that outcompetes its common cousins. From its role in folklore as an earthquake predictor to its distinct, vibrant plumage, this endemic species has carved out a unique place in the Japanese landscape and cultural identity.

The green pheasant, or Kiji, is an endemic species native to the Japanese archipelago, found primarily across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. While some taxonomic authorities classify it as a subspecies of the common pheasant, others argue it is a separate, albeit closely related, species. The bird is divided into three distinct subspecies: the southern green pheasant, the Pacific green pheasant, and the northern green pheasant. These birds exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males displaying striking green, blue, and purple plumage, while females possess more muted, brownish-black feathers. Interestingly, the intensity of the male's coloration varies by subspecies, with the southern variant being the darkest and the northern variant appearing more bronze.

Beyond its biology, the green pheasant holds a significant place in Japanese culture. It is the national bird of Japan, chosen because the female’s behavior of walking with her chicks is viewed as a profound symbol of harmony. Folklore suggests the birds can sense impending earthquakes, often emitting a scream when they feel tremors. This cultural prominence is reflected in its history, having once been featured on the 10,000 yen note. Today, it remains one of 29 designated game species in Japan, where hunting is strictly regulated by license, though it is also kept as a pet or display animal.

Ecologically, the green pheasant is a highly adaptable omnivore, consuming insects, worms, grains, and plants. It thrives in woodlands, grasslands, and even human-settled farmlands. Its resilience is notable; in its native range, it successfully outcompetes the common pheasant, which is less adapted to the local ecology. While the species has been introduced to Hawaii and North America, its history elsewhere is complicated by hybridization. In Western Europe, for instance, interbreeding with common pheasants has likely led to the disappearance of pure green pheasant populations. Despite a general decline in numbers, the species remains common and widespread across its native Japanese range.

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