[citation needed] Japanese scops-owls have a grey-brown plumage, red eyes, and prominent ear tufts.

The genus Otus was first introduced by Thomas Pennant in 1769 with the discovery of the Indian scops-owl.

Their plumage is gray and brown, resembling the bark of a tree which helps them camouflage in their environment.

It is also confused with the Northern white-faced owl which is also whiter than the Japanese Scops-Owl but relatively the same size.

Japanese scops-owls can move locally depending on the seasons, coming at lower elevations in winter.

[3] Japanese scops-owls are found in Japan, Korea, China, and Russia.

Otus semitorques ussriensis is found in Sakhalin, Ussuriland and Northeastern China.

[3] Japanese scops-owls feed primarily on invertebrates (insects, millipedes, centipedes, crustaceans) then followed by small rodents (voles and mice).

Japanese scops-owls have varied vocalizations including screeches, meows, hoots and chatters.

Japanese scops-owls are considered of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Traffic accidents, habitat destruction, hunting and poisoning pose serious threats to this species and could negatively affect its population size in the long run.

[11]In Japanese culture, owls symbolize good luck, wisdom and protection against misfortune.

scops-owls can be found represented in Japanese art such as pottery and paintings.

They are also often depicted in literature and films due to their unique and mysterious appearance.