Translation guide
Refers to birds bred for hunting or fighting, especially in historical or cultural contexts. The most common Japanese term is 猟鳥 (ryōchō) for game birds in general, while 軍鶏 (shamo) specifically denotes a breed of fighting chicken.
A bird that is hunted for sport or food, such as pheasant, quail, or duck.
General term for game birds; birds that are legally hunted.
A chicken bred for cockfighting, known for its aggressive nature and distinctive appearance.
Refers specifically to the Shamo breed, originally bred for cockfighting. Also used generally for gamecocks.
Do not translate 'game fowl' directly as ゲーム鳥 (gēmu tori). This is not a recognized term in Japanese. Use 猟鳥 or 軍鶏 depending on context.
この地域では猟鳥の狩猟が盛んです。
Game bird hunting is popular in this region.
More explicitly 'hunting bird'; used in legal or formal contexts.
The species of game birds are defined by law.
軍鶏は闘鶏のために飼育されていました。
Shamo were bred for cockfighting.
Literally 'fighting chicken'; can refer to the bird itself or the sport of cockfighting.
Cockfighting is now banned in many countries.
Often written in kana; same as 軍鶏 but more casual.
Shamo meat is firm and delicious.