These are true bantams with no large counterpart. They are thought to have originated in China then exported to Japan where they developed to the type we know today. Japanese are perhaps one of the oldest type of bantam, coming to Europe in the C16th and appearing in Dutch paintings of the C17th.

These endearing birds are very distinctive. They are small, broad and very low as their legs are so short. To look at they describe a narrow 'U' shape with the head held high and the large tail held upright and higher than the head. The back is very short.  Wings are long and touch the ground. The cockerel's head has a large single comb and big wattles; his tail may be as much as a third as high again as the head with long, sweeping sickles and side feathers. The hen's tail is well spread but not as flamboyant as the cock, though it is still higher than the head. Legs, when you can see them, are clean & yellow.

They are lovely birds to keep but breeding can have disappointments, especially for showing. Some eggs do not hatch because of a lethal gene and there can appear to be a fair bit of wastage of eggs. However, they are placid, trusting and easily managed. Hens are good mothers; eggs hatch in 20 days and chicks are not difficult to rear, though they can fly after a fortnight. They do not require a lot of space, but do prefer dry conditions. They are quite long lived and cock birds can be used for breeding for up to four or even five years, hens even older.

There are numerous different colours of Japanese, more than 35, and they come in three different feather types - normal, frizzle & silk - as well as rumpless & bearded. Clearly, some are more common than others.

Black-tailed Buff Japanese Cockerel