Among the typical species of heron frequently found in Japan are the widespread “grey heron” (aosagi) and the “great egret” (daisagi). In common parlance, the term “white heron” (shirasagi) is used to refer collectively to various species of heron with pure white plumage – because of its gleaming white walls and curved gables, Himeji Castle is also known as “White Heron Castle” (shirasagi-jō). In Shintô, the white heron is regarded as a creature that brings good luck and as a messenger of the Shintô gods (kami); and it is said to keep evil spirits away from the rice fields
other animals
