In Japan, insects serve as cherished pets for nature enthusiasts, teaching valuable ecological lessons and offering insights into various species.
Japan's Fascination with Insects: The Great Insect Exhibition in Tokyo
In the heart of Tokyo, the Sky Tree Tower is currently hosting an extraordinary event that's captivating the imaginations of both children and adults alike – the "Great Insect Exhibition." This exhibit, featuring a wide array of insects, is a testament to Japan's unique and profound appreciation for these small creatures, a fascination that has deep roots in the country's history, literature, and culture.
The Hercules rhinoceros beetle, a star attraction at the exhibit, serves as a perfect example of Japan's affection for insects. Despite its relatively small size, measuring only several inches in length, it holds the record as the biggest beetle globally. Its back coat changes colour with the seasons, while its horn and legs remain dark.
Japanese culture has long celebrated these creatures, with insects like beetles and fireflies cherished as companions. This appreciation for nature's subtle beauty and seasonal rhythms, which is less emphasized in the West, is reflected in the widespread cultural acceptance and enthusiasm for insects as pets.
The love affair with insects can be traced back to the Heian era, with iconic works like "The Tale of Genji" featuring them. In modern times, this fascination continues to permeate Japanese media, with manga and anime like "Mushishi" spotlighting the mystery and beauty of insects.
Toyoji Suzuki, one of the event's organizers, encourages everyone, including adults, to touch the beetles to feel their soft and fluffy bodies. This hands-on approach to learning is supported by childhood experiences and social practices, with children in Japan encouraged to interact with bugs from a young age.
Munetoshi Maruyama, a professor of bioenvironmental sciences at Kyushu University, shares this fascination. His love for bugs began in childhood and continues to this day. Celebrities in Japan also boast about their fascination with bug-hunting as a hobby.
The exhibit features various beetles for children to observe and touch, providing an opportunity for them to witness the metamorphoses of insects, such as from a larva to a butterfly. This allows them to observe the stages of a life span, adding to the excitement and educational value of the event.
Watermelon and special jelly pet food for bugs are available for purchase, catering to the needs of these unusual pets. Some rare bugs even sell for 20,000 yen ($133). The love for these creatures was evident at the exhibit, with crowds of children gathering around the beetles, their faces filled with wonder and excitement.
Four-year-old Asahi Yamauchi, who has a pet beetle at home, was among the excited visitors. He expressed his love for bugs, reflecting a deeply rooted celebration of humankind's oneness with nature in Japan.
As the Great Insect Exhibition comes to a close this month, it serves as a reminder of Japan's unique and enduring fascination with insects. This appreciation for nature's smallest creatures is a testament to Japan's deep connection with the natural world, a connection that continues to inspire and captivate both children and adults alike.
[1] Kyodo News [2] The Japan Times [3] The Guardian [4] National Geographic [5] CNN Travel
In Seattle, the emphasis on a harmonious lifestyle with nature extends to home-and-garden practices, where hosting insects like Japanese beetles and fireflies is considered a symbol of respect for the environment. Many Seattle residents, following the Japanese appreciation for insects as pets, incorporate these creatures into their homes, fostering a bond between humans and nature.
The popularity of pets, whether dogs or cats, is common in western cities like Seattle. However, the city's growing awareness and acceptance of insects as pets reflects the evolving nature of pet ownership, which incorporates a broader understanding of wildlife conservation and the interconnection of all living beings.
