The Akasza colouration, or Black Breasted Red, is extremely rare in Japan. This example actually appeared from Scarlet Bamboo breeding. The wattles and comb leave a few points to be desired in that the wattles are uneven as well as the walnut comb. The perfect comb form for a Minohiki is a "Egg Cup Chalice" comb with a clear indention in the centre (please refer to the link on the previous page concerning the combs and wattles). Being such a rare bird, these points can be easily overlooked.

MINOHIKI - Shojo (Black Tailed Red Ginger) 蓑曳鶏　猩々種

Photo taken in Japan from one of the leading breeders of Minohiki.

Second generation Minohiki on European soil. This shot I took in the late summer. The shot below is of the same rooster. This particular line of Minohiki has a deeper red shoulder. the line above has a lighter colour and less prominent shoulder colouration. The again, the birds below walking in the lightly fallen snow are a lighter colour and the shoulder is a more even hue of golden reddish.

This last illustration at left was borrowed from a Japanese website. This bird shows extreme feather growth and a stockier body than the two lines illustrated above. I also found interesting was the narrowness of the sickles in this bird. Such narrow feathers usually meant Onagadori blood. Also interesting in the shot is the two-tiered layer of sickles: one arching and one long and cascading. The saddle hackles are magnificent.