In Japan the phoenix appears as the Ho-Oo and announces the coming of a new era. It comes to earth to do good deeds for people, and this appearance symbolizes the beginning of a new era. The bird then ascends back to heaven to await a new era. It is much like the Chinese Phoenix the Feng-Huang.

The Ho being the male bird and the Oo being the female. The Ho-Oo has been adopted as a symbol of the royal family, particularly the empress. It symbolizes the sun, rectitude, fidelity, justice and obedience.