Japan’s appreciation for insects is deeply rooted in culture and extends beyond scientific research, continuing from the Heian era to the present day. Insects appear in literature such as The Tale of Genji and in modern manga and anime like Mushishi, often symbolizing beauty and curiosity. Fireflies lighting gardens and the sound of crickets in cages remain familiar sights. Stores sell jelly-based pet food for insects, and rare species can cost up to 20,000 yen ($133). Insects are treated as companions, with some public figures expressing their interest in bug-hunting. Kyushu University professor Munetoshi Maruyama, who has discovered 250 insect species, noted that their shapes and forms offer endless opportunities for discovery, especially among the more than 1.2 million known species worldwide.

In Japan, interaction with insects often begins in childhood through books, school activities, and seasonal bug-hunting. Insect nets are even available at convenience stores. Watching metamorphosis, such as a larva turning into a butterfly, helps children understand life cycles. Insects also provide valuable data for environmental research, including climate change, while social species like bees and ants display complex communication and navigation skills. They are vital for pollination and maintaining food chains. This fascination was displayed at “The Great Insect Exhibition” in Tokyo’s Sky Tree Tower, where visitors observed beetles, including the Hercules beetle, and learned about the educational and emotional benefits of direct interaction with insects.