fukurou

Fukurou is the Japanese word for the owl, a nocturnal bird of prey, and is commonly written with the kanji 梟 or in phonetic scripts as ふくろう (hiragana) or フクロウ (katakana). The term refers to the birds of the order Strigiformes that include many species found around the world, including those that inhabit Japan.

Owls are characterized by their forward-facing eyes, highly developed hearing, and silent flight, adaptations that aid them in hunting small mammals, insects, and other prey during the night. They range in size from small to very large, with considerable diversity across species. In Japan, as in other regions, various owl species occur, occupying a range of habitats from forests to mountainous areas.

In culture, fukurou is a common motif in Japanese folklore and modern media. Owls are often depicted as symbols of wisdom and good fortune, and their imagery appears in art, crafts, and branding. Owl motifs are also used on decorative items and in shops as charms or mascots, reflecting a culturally positive association with the bird.

The term fukurou is used broadly in everyday language, literature, and media to refer to owls in general. In addition to its natural and cultural meanings, the word appears in place names and commercial contexts within Japan, where the animal remains a familiar and enduring symbol.