Japanese Wildlife Part Two

In the last week alone, I’ve discovered a bounty of new beasts in the East, so, for your pleasure, I introduce to you some more of the weird and wonderful creatures to be found in JapanAsia.

Sika Deer

This adorable little deer species is found only in Japan, and is one of the largest minorities on the island of Miyajima, a breath-taking paradise that is so very “Japanese” it almost doesn’t feel real. Here, the sika populous roam the streets and are so utterly tame they seem oblivious to the throngs of tourists who share the island with them.

Yamori (Tawa Gecko)

The second major species of gecko to be found in Japan, the tawa is mottled in colour and, unlike his close relative, the house gecko, tends to hang around parks and streetlamps at twilight. There’s something a little seedy about that come to think of it… The vice squad of the lizard world…



Tombi (Black Kite)

There is an abundance of birds in Japan, most of whom are almost impossible to capture on camera, most notably the swallows, due to their perpetual mach seven weaving through the skies. The one that stands out, however, is the magnificent tombi, a medium-sized bird of prey that is so common down here amongst the mountains that it may as well be a pigeon. I believe the most I’ve seen in the sky at once is fourteen. Like I said, pigeon-common.

Semi (Cicada Beetle)

Yes, this is a picture of a cicada on my crotch. I won’t lie, despite their rainbow colours and symphonic twilight singing, I really don’t like cicadas. Their vast size and moth-like kamikaze tendencies make them a most unappealing little beast, and can make a walk through the park quite painful as the seventh beetle of the day comes crashing into you chest.

Shima-Hebi (Japanese Four-Lined Snake)

This chap was a joyous find, and, like his friend the ao-daisho (ratsnake), an accidental discovery when out on my veranda with my morning caffeinations. Approximately 1.5 metres in length, the shima-hebi was gliding through the shallows of the river behind my house. After watching, captivated, for a few minutes, I wandered along the banks only to discover two or three more of the silky serpents, each enjoying the morning sun as only a snake can.

Choo-Choo (Butterflies)

Okay, so maybe they’re not all that exotic, but the sheer volume of butterflies here is quite simply awe-inspiring. Usually found ducking and diving through willow branches, the vast number of species, of every size and colouring imaginable, is really rather impressive. I’m also determined to get my kids calling them flutter-bys. ‘Cause that’s what they are. Fact.


Ashinagabachi (Japanese Hornet)

One of the most dangerous of nasties in Japan (after the dreaded mukade of course), the Japanese hornet is really quite a frightful beast. About an inch and a half long, they move in small groups and are often found nesting in old tree stumps. Naturally, that’s not always the case, and I was unfortunate enough to discover a small nest under construction in the eaves above my veranda. Luckily, it seems they aren’t the world’s greatest builders, and I awoke one morning to find the whole thing had collapsed under its own weight. The residents had buzzed off sharpish… Dear god I’m a wit…

Saru (Japanese Macaque)

Monkeys are everywhere in Japan. Indeed, we’ve all seen the famous pictures of macaques bathing in the hot springs of Hokkaido. Macaques are actually a unique species amongst the animal kingdom, in that they are the only primate, save for humans, known to wash their food thoroughly before eating. Alas, despite various expeditions, I have yet to see a troupe in the wild, only coming across these wonderfully emotive creatures as performers, inevitably seen at every festival and street circus across the country, always looking snappily dandy and simultaneously tragic in little monkey waistcoats. I am determined to find some in the wild soon though, merely for reassurance purposes.