Japanese dancing mouse
A domesticated variety of house mouse known for its distinctive spinning or circling behavior, often kept as a pet or used in research. The name literally means 'spinning-top mouse'.
The Japanese dancing mouse is a small mouse characterized by its spinning movements.
In the past, Japanese dancing mice were popular as a sideshow attraction.
ハツカネズミ is the general term for the house mouse (Mus musculus), while 独楽鼠 specifically refers to the dancing variety with the characteristic spinning behavior.
Standard kanji spelling for the Japanese dancing mouse.
Kana spelling; useful when the kanji are obscure or for learners.
Alternate kanji spelling using 高麗 (Goryeo/Korea), reflecting historical association; less common than 独楽鼠.
Compound of 独楽 (こま, spinning top) and 鼠 (ねずみ, mouse), referring to the mouse's spinning behavior. The alternate spelling 高麗鼠 uses 高麗 (Goryeo, an ancient Korean kingdom), possibly reflecting a historical belief about its origin, but the exact derivation is uncertain.