What are the national animal and flower of Japan?

Senior Moments

The Japanese have long thought of the sakura cherry blossom as the flower which symbolizes the nation. It is mentioned in ancient myths, and the way its petals fall while still at the height of their beauty was interpreted by the old warrior class as symbolic of resignation and grace in death, qualities which the warriors rated highly. There are numerous cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the country and one of the pleasures of life among the Japanese is the chance to hold a sake drinking party beneath a grove of cherry trees in full bloom. The chrysanthemum is another flower which, because of its use in the Imperial Crest, is considered to be symbolic of Japan. http://www.oren.jp/japan_03.htm [Jun 02 04 5:35 AM] Senior Moments writes: In addition to the prevoius reply, according to http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/plaza/society/faqs_government.html">http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/plaza/society/faqs_government.html Japan has no coat of arms, but the Japanese Imperial family's crest, the chrysanthemum, is used on the cover of passports for Japanese citizens. Japan does not have a designated national animal, either. There is no official national flower or bird. Some people say the unofficial national flower of Japan is the chrysanthemum, which has long been a symbol of Japanese emperors. However, most say that the sakura (cherry blossom) is the national flower because so many Japanese love to watch and celebrate these flowers in the spring cherry-blossom season. There are also several candidates for Japan's unofficial national bird. Recently, the crested ibis has been in the news because some rare ibis chicks were born. The crane is also a very popular bird in Japan and often appears in Japanese art. However, most people say the national bird is the kiji (green pheasant), shown above. Jun 02 04, 4:31 AM

shady shaker

Japan does not have an official national animal, bird or flower. (Neither does it have a Coat of Arms.) Chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms are the two most popular flowers there, whilst I should have thought that the Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata) would be ideal as the national faunal emblem. http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/plaza Jun 02 04, 4:39 AM