[6] It was designated a Natural Monument of Japan in 1943, one of seventeen breeds which have this status.

[9] In 1999 the total number of breeding stock was 305 birds;[1]: 101  the conservation status was assessed as "not at risk".

The traditional Japanese colours are: akasasa, roughly "red-hackled"; kinsasa, "golden-hackled"; kisasa, "yellow-hackled"; shirosasa, "white-hackled"; soukoku, black; and taihaku, white.

Cock birds have an upright stance; the tail fans out laterally, and is held above the horizontal.

[5]: 260 The Satsumadori was bred as a game bird for steel-spur cock-fighting, in which blades were attached to the legs in the area of the spur.