A Photo Of A Beautiful Insect, Tamamushi (Buprestid Beetle)

Summer is the season that many of bugs become active. Until 20-30 years ago "bug hunting" had been a major kids' play in Japan, especially among boys. During summer vacations, kids were running around chasing bugs with insect nets and were proud of themselves if they catch big beetles or beautiful insects such as Japanese rhinoceros beetles (Kabuto-mushi), stag beetles (Kuwagata mushi), or big dragonflies (Yanma).

The bug in the photo above is called “Tamamushi” in Japanese and it means “Jewel Beetle”. Because of its beautiful metallic color. In fact it was used for decorations in anciant times it was used for decoration in ancient times. When I was little it still was one of the popular bugs and I would be showing it off to my friends if I could catch one.

Now the "bug hunting" is only a minor activity for kids, especially these popular insects are in decline in big cities, such as the center of Tokyo. So, city kids have to buy insects when they want to have them and nowadays the aforesaid popular insects are available at pet shops. However, in West Tokyo area, kids can still enjoy catching bugs since enough wildness is remaining there.

Being intimate with bugs may be a part of the Japanese culture, but how about trying it out?