The Hokkaido long-tailed tit is a subspecies of the long-tailed tit found in mainland Japan and it can only be seen in Hokkaido. The “shima” in the Japanese name of shima-enaga means Hokkaido, and “enaga” means the long handle of a ladle.

With a white face like a snowball, a small beak, round eyes, and yellow eyelids, the Hokkaido long-tailed tits are called “snow fairies” because they are so cute in their appearance. It became quite popular when it was featured in Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga), and a variety of souvenir goods.

The Shima Enaga is a small, white bird native to Hokkaido, Japan, known for its fluffy plumage and distinctive, long tail. Where Does Shima Enaga Live? Shima Enaga birds thrive in the cold, snowy forests of northern Japan, making their homes among the dense tree branches.

The snow fairy can only be found on Japan's Northern Island of Hokkaido. Officially named "shima-enaga" in Japanese, it is a subspecies of the long-tailed tit. One of the smallest birds in Japan, it is only about 14 cm (5.5 in) long, with round eyes and a roundish fluffy body.