The Japanese word for albatross is ahōdori. The word can refer to all types of albatrosses but is most commonly used when specifically talking about the short-tailed albatross.
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| Romanji | Kanji | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Albatross アホウドリ | Ahōdori | 信天翁 | |
| Wandering Albatross ワタリアホウドリ | Watari ahōdori | 渡信天翁 | |
| Black-footed albatross クロアシアホウドリ | Kuroashi ahōdori | 黒足信天翁 | |
| Laysan albatross コアホウドリ | Ko ahōdori | 小信天翁 |
Interesting facts about albatrosses in Japan
The short-tailed albatross, also known as Steller’s Albatross, holds a special place in Japanese culture and is designated as a “Special Natural Treasure” under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. This bird’s breeding grounds are free from mammalian predators, leading to a lack of caution or protective instincts. As a result, the Japanese have given it the nickname “Aho-Dori,” meaning “dumb bird.”