Japanese Bantam Club 

                                            of            

       Great Britain     

Thought to originate in Indo-China, the history of the Japanese Bantam can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-906) when they were kept only in the royal gardens of the emperor. From 1200-1500 the Edo emperors allowed the movement of birds throughout Japan.

Japan was closed to the outside world during the Tokugawa Dynasty (1500-1700). During the 1800's were traded into Germany, the first arriving in Britain direct from Japan in 1860, and first seen in exhibition classes in Britain in 1910.

A club for the breed was formed in 1921, ceasing to function during the second world war. It reformed in 1961 and continues to grow in strength.

The present Japanese Bantam has short legs and a small rounded body, and was given the right to be included in the Poultry Standard of Japan on 18th June 1941 although having been kept as a distinct breed since the 16th century.

The main characteristics of the bantam are as follows:-

1. Upright tail feathers carried in elegance behind the head. The tail must not slope backwards as in common fowl but should stand up like Iris leaves.

2. Legs must be short and free from any hint of feather, consequently, when standing, only the toes of the bird should be showing, but the leg must be straight and really short. If the legs are inclined forward this is a fault as it gives the appearance of having it's belly very near to the ground.

3. Big wings of which the tips are very close to the ground to give an appearance of creeping when moving.

4. The body should be well-rounded and broad, with a very short back showing between neck and tail hackles.

This Website was prepared for the Japanese Bantam Club of Great Britain by Terry and Lisa Crook. If you have any questions or comments please Email the club at: japclub@ukonline.co.uk

Last updated on 24/02/2005