Jitokko

a.k.a. Jitokkokagoshima

A Jitokko rooster
Photo ©Uichiro Sakamoto

Text courtesy of
Uichiro Sakamoto

A very rare breed in Japan, in danger of extiction. The Jitokko's characteristics are its short legs and beard, as well as a very full and long tail. It has probably been crossed with a small Satsumadori hen in the recent past. A very small number of these birds is being bred in the Kagoshima Prefecture and breeders are worried about the lack of fresh bloodlines due to very closely related matings.