The bush warbler is called Uguisu in Japanese. Uguisu begins to sing in early spring and is also nicknamed “Harutsugetori,” meaning “the herald bird of springtime.” To Japanese ears, it sounds like “Ho-ho-kekyo.” This distinctive song is loved by the Japanese. Hearing the birds sing is one of the favorite features of spring in Japan.

An uguisu with plum blossoms is a popular motif in Japanese paintings.