The name Tancho was originally bestowed on a Kohaku that was completely white with the exception of a round, red “crest” on the center of its head. This Tancho Kohaku is well loved by the Japanese people as it reminds them of their national flag, a red sun on a white field.

There are several other kinds of Tancho including; Tancho Sanke, Tancho Showa, and even Tancho Goshiki.