Japanese Wildlife Part One

One of the most endearing and enduring aspects of Japan, and indeed one of the biggest draws to me as an animal lover is the sheer volume and variety of native flora and fauna that, although often not unique to Japan alone, is so very exotic to European eyes.

An amazing variety of different bugs and beasties seem to show themselves on a daily basis found these parts, and it seems like every week some new creature graces me with its presence. Unfortunately, as is often the case with the local folk, they are utterly oblivious to the rich tapestry of life that is surrounding them, so I have taken it upon myself to chronicle and research as much as I can, garnering what knowledge I can from trusty ol’ Wikipedia.

So, in what shall hopefully become an ongoing series, I shall be sharing some of my more exotic finds. To date, I have seen some of the most beautiful wild animals I have ever come across, and though a few I have failed to capture on film, such as the illusive Itachi (the Japanese pole cat), and many more have as of yet remained in the darkness; the Inushishi (Eurasian wild boar) and the mythical Tanuki (the racoon dog, revered as a spirit of mischief amongst the Shito peoples), I am determined to continue discovering more and more monsters from beyond myth.

Koi Carp

Let’s start with one of Japan’s most famous indigenous species; the prized Koi. Oft seen in the gardens of the rich and frivolous back home, these friendly fishes cost a fortune in the UK, and yet are seen in every river, lake and stream in Japan, swimming around happily, occasionally popping up to the surface to say hello. Inquisitive and smiley, and ranging in colour from a muddy brown to the Technicolor gold and white variety, they never fail to raise a smile with their Fu Man Chu moustaches and gormless expressions.

Imori (House Gecko)

Within my first few days in Yanai, I was amazed to discover just how many of these adorable little lizards there are scurrying about the place, gobbling up all the nastier bugs and generally keeping the place tidy. Though I haven’t seen any over the winter, the summer is now upon us, and ‘tis the time of the season for gecko lovin’. Seen by the Japanese as a friendly house guest, these little lovelies are great pest control and a joy to watch on their nightly patriol.

Ashidakagumo (Huntsman Spider)

Another rather encouraged house guest is the terrifying-looking Huntsman. The size of a dinner plate, there are many horror stories of these chaps hiding under toilet seats and scaring the bejesus out of unsuspecting folk. They are however, harmless to humans, and, along with the house gecko, form an invaluable security team. Just think of the scariest looking club bouncer who still has time to have a chat about the footie.

Zenigame (Red-Eared Slider)

Made famous in the eighties and nineties by that classic cartoon series, this red-masked terrapin is another surprisingly common delight in Yanai. I saw my first one on my first day in the south, and grin with childlike glee ever time one pops his cute little head out of the water since. There’s actually a family that lives in the stream outside my house; my drinking buddies during my morning coffee.

Kama-Kiri (Preying Mantis)

Since reading Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals at a young age, it has seen my dream to see the epic battle ‘tween mantis and gecko. Alas, I haven’t seen such a showdown yet, but the mantis is still one of my favourite beasties of Japan. Mostly nocturnal, these wise looking creatures are hauntingly beautiful; their bulbous eyes and constant meditative mantra emanates a bizarre serenity in which it is surprisingly easy to get lost.

Aburamushi (Japanese House Bat)

I love bats. They are, to me, one of nature’s most amazing creations; their effortless twists and turns and graceful silence is simply breath-taking. Also, they eat moths, so that’s a plus. This little chap comes with a story though. After finishing a very long week at work, I was leaving school, only to discover this fellow sitting on the doorstep of the office. Looking at me with pleading eyes, he had clearly come to me for help after crash landing, knowing that I was perhaps the only person nearby who could aid him in his plight. After ineffectively telling my clueless boss that he was NOT dead, I grabbed a newspaper and scooped him up, depositing him by a wall above which his friends and family were squeaking with concern. With a battish wink, he chirruped his thanks before beginning the long climb back to his vespers. Durrell would be proud.

Mukade (Giant Scary Bastard Centipede)

I have some strange fears. Cows and moths to name but two. My greatest fear, however, can be traced back to Ian Felmming. Remember that scene in Dr. No when Bond is in bed, and the tarantula crawls up his leg and he kills it with his shoe? Well, in the book, it is one of these monsters. Told with nauseating detail; every leg movement, every pincer touch, Flemming scarred my twelve year old self for life with his description of the poisonous Japanese mukade. I’ve heard more horror stories since, and it didn’t help that upon researching local fauna online, I was presented with a picture of one in someone’s bed. Fortunately I haven’t seen one alive yet(this one was thankfully dead). I still check my bed every night though, and sleep with a polished brogue under my pillow.

Ao-Daisho (Japanese Ratsnake)

This was something of a surprise find, but is apparently a common sight in the summer months. Upon going to say my daily Hello to my turtle friends, I looked down to discover this two metre long beauty sunbathing on the river bank. One of the many, many species of snake in Japan, this is the longest and feeds on just about anything it can get its teeth into. I just hope he hasn’t come across my resident gecko yet…