North Pacific right whale
A specific species of baleen whale (Eubalaena japonica) found in the North Pacific. The name is often written in katakana.
The North Pacific right whale is designated as an endangered species.
southern right whale
pygmy right whale
Usually written in katakana; the kanji form 背美鯨 is rare and mainly found in older or specialized texts.
Rare kanji spelling; learners will almost always encounter the katakana form.
The name セミクジラ is thought to derive from 背美 (semi, 'beautiful back') + 鯨 (kujira, 'whale'), referring to the whale's smooth, dark back. The exact historical origin is uncertain.