Mammal
Japanese Macaque
The hot-spring snow monkey of Japan
Animals in Japan
Japan's islands range from snowy Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa — snow monkeys, tanuki, sika deer, and coastal dolphins.
15 species in our guide are native to Japan.
Animal profiles linked to Japan
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Mammal
Brown Bear
The widespread bear of the Northern Hemisphere
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Reptile
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
The powerful-jawed sea turtle
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Fish
Clownfish
The reef fish that lives among stinging tentacles
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Fish
Sand Tiger Shark
The toothy aquarium shark
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Mammal
Sea Otter
The tool-using keystone of the kelp forest
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Fish
Goblin Shark
Deep-sea shark with a protrusible jaw
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Bird
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Europe's drumming carpenter
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Bird
Grey Heron
The patient wetland hunter
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Fish
Koi
The ornamental carp of garden ponds
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Invertebrate
Japanese Spider Crab
Record-span scavenger of Pacific depths
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Invertebrate
Giant Pacific Octopus
Largest octopus of the North Pacific
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Invertebrate
Sea Bunny
The tiny nudibranch that went viral for looking like a miniature rabbit
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Fish
Blue Tang
The bright blue reef fish from Finding Nemo
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Invertebrate
Giant Squid
The elusive deep-sea giant with enormous eyes
FAQs about animals in Japan
What animals are native to Japan?
Japan is home to 15 species in our guide, including Japanese Macaque, Brown Bear, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Clownfish, Sand Tiger Shark, and more. Each profile covers habitat, diet, and conservation status.
Where can I learn about wildlife in Japan?
Browse the species below for answer-first guides with range maps, FAQs, and comparison pages. For broader context, see our Animals of Asia region page.
Are any animals in Japan endangered?
Several species native to Japan are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check individual profiles for current status and how to help.