Japanese Animals: List of Cool Animals that Live in Japan
Japan hosts a rich array of nearly 100,000 animal species. Despite its relatively small land mass, the country boasts an astonishing biodiversity. Its diverse weather patterns, various ecosystems, and a vast expanse of 7,000 islands create an ideal environment for supporting diverse wildlife. Animals hold significant cultural symbolism in Japan, cherished by its people. Moreover, the influence of Japanese animals extends to media, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for creative endeavors worldwide.
Japanese Animals
List of Japanese Animals
- Macaque monkeys
- Tanuki
- Pika
- Asian black bears
- Tsushima leopards
- Ussuri brown bear
- Foxes
- Sables
- Japanese boars
- Japanese serow
- Sika deer
- Green pheasants
- Red-crowned cranes
- Finless porpoise
- Leopard cat
- Giant salamanders
- Mamushi snakes
- Spider crabs
- Iriomote cat
- Japanese flying squirrel
Japanese Animals | Facts & Pictures
Macaque Monkeys
- The Japanese macaque, also known as the “snow monkey,” has an average lifespan of about 27 years.
- Macaques exhibit intriguing behaviors like making snowballs and communal bathing for leisure. They even display distinct regional accents when communicating.
- Considered the national animal of Japan, the Japanese macaque holds cultural significance in the country.
Tanuki
- Despite their resemblance to raccoons, Tanuki are more closely related to dogs and wolves than to raccoons.
- Abundant in Japanese folklore, Tanuki are often depicted as symbols of either cunning or good fortune. Their portrayal extends across various forms of art, literature, film, and video games.
- Tanuki have an ancient history, resembling modern dog species from thousands of years ago.
Pika
- The Northern pika, native to Japan, is a species of pika. Other variants are found across Asia and North America.
- Despite their mouse or rat-like appearance, pikas belong to the lagomorph family, akin to rabbits and hares, rather than rodents.
- The name “pika” might ring a bell due to its inspiration for one of Japan’s and the world’s most popular characters, despite real pikas lacking the ability to discharge bolts of electricity.
Japanese Boars
- Viewed as “wild” and “reckless” creatures, Japanese boars are also symbolized as courageous by Japanese hunters, earning their admiration.
- They can be found throughout Japan, except in two regions: Hokkaido and Ryukyu.
Japanese Giant Salamanders
- The Japanese giant salamander ranks as the second largest salamander species globally, following its Chinese counterparts, which are critically endangered.
- These salamanders respire through their skin and possess only one lung.
- Typically inhabiting Japan’s highlands near cold bodies of water, some are found on the mainland, with a few discovered on smaller islands.
Spider Crabs
- Spider crabs, with their lengthy legs, hold the title of the largest crab species globally. They are also known for their lengthy lifespan.
- Regularly shedding their exoskeleton, spider crabs form new ones hardened by seawater. Considered a delicacy in some Japanese restaurants, their size and slow speed make them easy to catch for fishermen.
