Cervus nippon is a species of deer in the family Cervidae, commonly known as the sika deer. It is native to East Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan, and parts of Russia’s Far East, with introduced populations in Europe, North America, and Oceania. The genus name Cervus is Latin for “deer,” while the species epithet nippon refers to Japan, highlighting the region where the species was first scientifically described. In Nara, Japan, the deer are also known as "bowing deer", as they have learned to bow their heads in exchange for food.

Sika deer are medium-sized, with males typically larger than females and displaying antlers that are shed and regrown annually. Their fur varies seasonally, ranging from reddish-brown with white spots in summer to a darker, grayer coat in winter, providing camouflage in forested and grassland habitats. Sika deer are highly adaptable, inhabiting temperate forests, grasslands, and river valleys. They are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses, leaves, shoots, and bark, and play an ecological role in seed dispersal and vegetation management. Historically, sika deer have been hunted for their meat, hides, and antlers, which are used in traditional East Asian medicine and crafts.

Cervus nippon provides lean venison that is high in protein, iron, and B vitamins, with lower fat content than domesticated red meats. The meat has a rich, gamey flavor and is used in roasting, stewing, smoking, and curing preparations. Compounds in sika venison include carnosine, creatine, taurine, and collagen, which contribute to antioxidant activity, muscle metabolism, and overall nutritional quality. Antlers, particularly in their velvet stage, contain amino acids, peptides, and growth factors, which are used in traditional medicinal preparations for promoting vitality and joint health.