Japanese Animal Names and Phrases

This page will help you familiarize yourself with a long list of animal names in Japanese. The page includes some basic animal words like animals and zoo, then moves onto the main list of animal names translated from various forms of Japanese writing: Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Below the list of Japanese animal translations you'll find a section that gives a brief look at some animals seen in Japanese folklore. These include the Japanese Fox, Japanese Raccoon Dog, and Japanese River Otter.

Japanese to English Animal Words and Phrases:

Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of animal words from English to Japanese.

General Animal Words in Japanese

A couple of related words with their Hiragana and Kanji writings.

Names of the Animals in Japanese

When possible we've also added the Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji next to the animals on the list.

Japanese Sentences with Animal References

See how to use Japanese animal names in actual sentences. Hiragana-only and standard Japanese writing are both listed.

Animals in Japanese Folklore:

There are many animals which make an appearance in Japanese folklore. Here is a selection of such animals and a short description of each to help you learn a bit more about them.

Japanese Fox - Kitsune

Kitsune in Japanese folklore are long-lived foxes who at a certain age and level of wisdom gain magical powers like shapeshifting that continue to grow as they age. Kitsune can have as many as nine tails, with higher tail numbers signifying older, more powerful beings. Kitsune are split into two categories - zenko (aka good foxes) are benevolent beings, while yako (aka field foxes) are mischievous and sometimes malicious.

Japanese Raccoon Dog - Tanuki

In Japanese folklore, Tanuki are considered masters of disguise because they can shapeshift into just about anything, including humans - which by some accounts, they can even possess. They are generally mischievous, happy creatures, but can also be absent-minded. In some cases, a Tanuki may choose to live as a transformed human for long periods of time without being spotted.

Japanese River Otter - Kawauso

Kawauso in Japanese folklore are Japanese river otters who are believed to develop magical powers in their old age. As their magical powers mature, they are thought to possess the ability to switch between their otter and human forms, and can accurately mimic human sounds when playing tricks on them. Sometimes Kawauso will transform into beautiful young women to trick expectant young men.

*List of Japanese animal names updated: January 26, 2025.

Next Up

Japanese Colors: Learn how to say color words in Japanese.

Perhaps you want to learn animal words in these other languages?

French, German, Hawaiian, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.

The Fine Print