iruka

Iruka is the Japanese word for dolphin, written in kana as イルカ (iruka). In everyday Japanese, the term covers the various small-toothed whales commonly referred to as dolphins in English, including species in the family Delphinidae and related groups. Dolphins are recognized for their intelligence, social behavior, and complex vocalizations, and they are subjects of research, conservation, and popular media.

Usage in names and culture: Iruka is also used as a given name in Japan, though it is relatively uncommon. In popular culture, the most widely known use outside biology is Iruka Umino, a character from the Naruto manga and anime series. Iruka Umino is a teacher at the Konoha Ninja Academy who serves as Naruto Uzumaki's mentor and protector in the early parts of the story.

Beyond this, Iruka appears in various media and educational contexts as a representation of dolphins, such as aquarium exhibits, documentaries, and children's literature that use the term to refer to the animals.

See also: Dolphin