Breeds southern Sakhalin I, Kuril Is and Japan (Hokkaido south to central Honshu). Winters from northern Honshu south through Shikoku and Kyushu to Ryukyu Is and Izu Is. Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Black-faced Bunting (Emberiza spodocephala).
 
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Black-faced Bunting (Emberiza spodocephala).