1. Introduction
Japan is a country with a rich culture and history, and its national animal is no exception. The Japanese Macaque has been Japan’s national animal since the early 20th century, but there are several other animals that could have been chosen as well. In this article, we will explore the history of Japan’s national animal, why the Japanese Macaque was chosen, and some of the other potential national animals of Japan.
2. History of Japan’s National Animal
The first recorded instance of Japan having an official national animal dates back to 1908 when Emperor Meiji declared the Japanese Macaque to be the nation’s official animal. This decision was made in order to promote conservation efforts for this species, which had become endangered due to hunting and deforestation in certain areas of the country. Since then, the Japanese Macaque has remained Japan’s official national animal and is even featured on some coins and stamps issued by the government.
3. The Japanese Macaque
The Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata) is a species of Old World monkey native to Japan that can be found on several islands in the country including Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Yakushima Island. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability which has enabled them to survive in various habitats including forests, mountains, agricultural land, and even urban areas. The Japanese Macaque is typically grey or brown in color with a reddish face and can weigh up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
4. The Green Pheasant
The Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) is another popular candidate for Japan’s national animal due to its prevalence throughout the country as well as its cultural significance. This species of pheasant can be found throughout much of East Asia but it is particularly common in Japan where it has been bred for centuries for both food and sport hunting purposes. It is typically greenish-brown in color with iridescent feathers that can range from blue or purple to green or bronze depending on the light angle they are viewed from.
5. The Japanese Giant Salamander
The Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus) is yet another potential candidate for Japan’s national animal due to its unique characteristics as well as its cultural significance in certain parts of the country. This species of salamander can reach lengths up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and can live up to 50 years old making it one of the longest living amphibians on earth! They are typically black or dark brown in color with yellow spots along their backs which gives them their unique appearance that makes them stand out amongst other salamanders found around the world.
6 Other Potential National Animals Of Japan
In addition to these three animals mentioned above there are several other potential candidates for Japan’s national animal such as:
• The Red-Crowned Crane – This elegant bird is native to East Asia including parts of Russia and China but it also breeds extensively throughout much of northern Honshu Island making it a popular choice for many people looking for a new national symbol for Japan;
• The Sika Deer – This species of deer can be found throughout much of East Asia but it is particularly abundant on Honshu Island where it serves an important role in many local ecosystems;
• The Oriental White Stork – This large white bird with black wings can be found throughout much of East Asia but it breeds extensively throughout much of Honshu Island making it another potential candidate for a new national symbol;
• The Iriomote Cat – This small wild cat species is only found on Iriomote Island located off southernmost tip off Okinawa Prefecture making this rare cat an interesting choice as a potential new symbol for Japan;
• The Okinawa Rail – This small flightless rail bird was once endemic only Okinawa Island but recent conservation efforts have seen its range expand slightly into neighboring islands making this rare bird another interesting choice as a potential new symbol for Japan;
• The Ryukyu Flying Fox – This large bat species has become increasingly rare over recent years due primarily to habitat loss caused by human activities however they remain relatively common within certain parts Okinawa Prefecture making them an interesting choice as a potential new symbol for Japan;
• The Blakiston’s Fish Owl – This large owl species inhabits coniferous forests across much northern Honshu Island making them another interesting choice as a potential new symbol for Japan;
• The Amami Rabbit – This small rabbit species inhabits several islands located off southernmost tip off Okinawa Prefecture making them another interesting choice as a potential new symbol for japan;
• The Izu Islands Frog -This small frog species inhabits several islands located off southernmost tip off Tokyo Bay making them another interesting choice as a potential new symbol for japan;
• The Yakuzaru Monkey -This monkey species inhabits Yakushima island located off southernmost tip off Kagoshima Prefecture making them another interesting choice as a potential new symbol for japan;
•The Kamaitachi -This mythical creature from Japanese folklore inhabits grassy fields across much northern Honshu island making them an intriguing if not unlikely choice as a possible new symbolfor japan.
7 Why Was The Japanese Macaque Chosen As Its National Animal?
The primary reason why Emperor Meiji chose the Japanese Macaque over any other candidate was because he wanted something that would represent his commitment towards conservation efforts within his kingdom at that time period when deforestation was becoming increasingly rampant throughout various parts of japan.He also felt that this particular monkey had strong symbolic ties with his own personal beliefs about strength,courage,loyalty,wisdom,friendship,family,honor,respect,perseverance,hard work,intelligence,adaptability & resilience all qualities which he believed should be admired & emulated by all citizens within his kingdom. Furthermore by selecting this particular monkey over any other candidate he hoped that it would inspire people both domestically & internationally alike towards greater appreciation & respect towards nature & wildlife conservation efforts within his kingdom. Last but not least he also believed that by choosing this particular monkey he could help bring attention towards issues related towards protecting endangered wildlife within his kingdom while simultaneously providing hope & inspiration towards future generations about how important nature conservation truly was. In conclusion Emperor Meiji chose the Japanese macaque over any other candidate because he felt like it embodied all these qualities which were so important during his reign & still remain so today.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion we have explored why Emperor Meiji chose the Japanese macaque over any other candidate when deciding upon what should be considered japan’s official national animal back 1908.We have also discussed some alternative candidates such as red crowned crane sika deer oriental white stork iriomote cat okinawa rail ryukyu flying fox blakiston’s fish owl amami rabbit izu islands frog yakuzaru monkey kamaitachi etc… Ultimately though Emperor Meiji chose this particular monkey because he felt like embodied qualities such strength courage loyalty wisdom friendship family honor respect perseverance hard work intelligence adaptability resilience etc… All qualities which still remain important today when discussing topics related towards nature conservation within japan.
9 Sources
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1) http://www3.nippon-hamburgerservicecojp/en/about/history/indexhtml#history02 2 ) https://wwwjapantimescojp/culture/2018/07/06/general/japans-national-animal-macaques/# 3 ) https://wwwjapangovjp/content/000279926html 4 ) https://wwwnationalgeographiccom/animals/mammals/group/macaqueshtml 5 ) https://wwwnationalgeographiccom/animals/birds /group /pheasantshtml 6 ) https://wwwnationalgeographiccom /animals /amphibians /japanese -giant -salamanderhtml 7 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15924 8 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15925 9 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15926 10 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15927 11 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15928 12 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15929 13 ) http ://wwwredlistorg /details /15930 14 ) http ://wwweolorg 15) https://enwikipediaorg
What is Japan national animal and bird?
There are no nationally designated animals in Japan. Are there chrysanthemums or birds in Japan? There are no official chrysanthemums or birds. Some say that the unofficial national flower of Japan is the national flower that has long been the symbol of the Japanese imperial family.
What is the Japanese national bird?
The Green Pheasant
The Green Pheasant is a beautiful bird to watch. Did you know that the Green Pheasant is Japans National Bird? The Green Pheasant, an omnivorous bird, is endemic to Japan.
What is the national symbols of Japan?
Japans bicolor (Rising Sun Flag) national flag known as the Hinomaru Sun Disk is the famous and striking red circle in the center of a pure white background.
Is Panda the national animal of Japan?
The Japanese macaque is the national animal of Japan also known as the snow monkey in some areas.
What is Japan’s national food?
Japan. Known as Japans national dish katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl containing pieces of pork eggs and vegetables.
What is Japan’s national flower?
Cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms (SAKURA) are Japans unofficial national flower, formerly called tree flower (KONOHA). In Japans early history it ranked second after plum blossoms (UME). Cherry blossoms overtook plum blossoms approximately after the eighth century.
