Summer's Here and the Time is Right...

Summer has truly arrived here in Yanai, and with it, a chorus of shrieking and shocking creatures, some of which appear to have decided that there sole mission in life should be to stop me from sleeping. Others meanwhile are just too darned adorable for words.

Ushigaeru (American Bullfrog)

These gargantuan amphibians have rapidly become the bane of my existence. The first night I heard them, I had no idea what the hell they were. I envisaged some great beast from the underworld, their cavernous croak echoing along the riverbanks like the roar of Cerberus himself. Intrepid, I grabbed my torch and, pyjama clad, discovered to my ire that the source of the ruckus was just a ruddy frog. Since then, these softball-sized buggers have kept me awake many a night with their choral cacophony.

Hien (Swallow)

The swallow is truly a delight to watch; their svelte form gliding through the skies with an unrivalled grace. This particular chap was one of a pair who decided to nest above the back door to my school, greeting me every morning with a warning attack. Eventually, their nest yielded three gorgeous little hatchlings, all of whom have since flown the coop, leaving nothing more than an empty nest. Perhaps some soup is in order.

Maimai (Groovy Snail)

This chap was just too cute. Settled on the underside of a bamboo leaf, he really was one of the prettiest snails I’ve come across. I must say, surprisingly, considering the current raininess, I’ve seen very few molluscs. The occasional slug crops up, but I do believe this is one of the only snails I’ve actually come across.

Inoshishi (Eurasian Wild Boar)

I’ve been desperate to find a wild pig since I got here. It’s a dangerous adventure, what with their fiery temperament and lethal tusks, and as such I have taken the coward’s route and avoided venturing into the woods at night. So it was with a real air of melancholy that I witnessed this unfortunate youngster floating downstream a few days ago. Maybe 50cm from nose to tail, it could only have been a few weeks old. On the plus side, I now know that they’re definitely out there.

Kusagame (Reeve’s Pond Turtle)

Turtles are one of my favourite beasties round these parts. Every time I see one, I find myself grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Usually, however, it’s just the ninja terrapins that come to say hello, so I was delighted to meet this little cutie. Smaller than his infamous cousin, and with a curious black face, I was most pleased to be graced with his greeting.

Tombo (Dragonfly)

Dragonflies here are bloody huge. Every size and colour is buzzing about right now, and this particular one decided the best place to be picking up a mosquito buffet would be my bedroom. A biscuit tin trap soon saw him on his way though. He did however spend the rest of the evening glaring menacingly at me from the other side of the screen door.

Kumo (Spiders)

With the heat comes mosquitoes, and with the mosquitoes come spiders, feasting merrily on anything that should be foolish enough to stumble into their webs. This fellow (not actually white; that’s just the flash…) decided that my window would be the best place to set his trap. I must say, since he moved in, there’s been a lot less midges invading the flat. Hazah!

Aogaeru (Green Tree Frog)

This little beauty was sat, rather inconveniently, on the handle of my front door when I returned home last night. About the size of a squash ball, he was relishing in the evening’s offerings of flying delicacies. Utterly tame, he allowed me to snap away for a good fifteen minutes, completely nonchalant to my obvious delight at his presence.

Going Gaga - The Language of Animals in Japan

We’ve all grown up learning the sounds of familiar farmyard animals. Whether we are country folk or city kids, we all know that a cow says “moo” and a sheep says “baa”. It’s Sesame Street stuff really. Knowledge that we acquire at an early age, often before more mandatory things like the alphabet or numbers past five. Well, I did anyways.

Of course as we grow older, we are introduced to other languages, and the way that people of different countries hear the world around them. It’s not surprising that a French dog, for example, gives its “woof” with a French accent, eliciting the somewhat haughty “owaff”. Generally speaking though, the animals of Europe all speak with the same dialect. I mean, just look at The Aristocats; cats just happen to speak with French accents.

Come to Japan however, and it’s not only the people that communicate in a language that’s all too alien to the Western eardrum, but apparently the animal kingdom also has a whole new language to get your head round.

My first experience with the voices of Nipponese beasties was back in Tokyo, not long after I arrived in the country. Being a big fan of pigs (one day, I shall own my own and he shall be known as Pigby, having grand adventures with a duck named Stuart whilst wearing a most fetching monocle), I had a pig shaped key-ring, which led my students to giggle about, crying “boo boo”. Confused, I asked my floor manager on the matter, who explained that pigs here do not say “oink”, as to which I am naturally accustomed, but in fact say “boo boo”. Hmm. And that was just the beginning.

Thereafter, I discovered that a pigeon’s cry is known as a “po-po”, whilst an elephant says “pa-oom” (I’m not actually sure what an elephant says in English. I always figured it was just a “trumpet”) and a frog “geru-geru”. A dog “wan-wan”s and a cow “gwon”s. A rabbit meanwhile, perhaps one of nature’s most non-vocal creatures, apparently says “pyowm-pyowm”.

My favourite however, is the duck. We all know the old saying that a duck’s quack has no echo, right? Well, I thought I had disproved this, as a family of ducks had been splashing about in the river just outside my house a few months ago, with their voices distinctly resonating along the banks. However, turns out ducks here do not quack, but in fact say “ga-ga” (hence the picture… I had an image of them singing the opening lines of “Bad Romance” whilst going about their ducky business), thus keeping the theory intact.

There are exceptions however; a Japanese sheep does say “meh”, and a cat’s purr is a “neow”, which are both pretty close to their English counterparts.

So, next time you’re strolling through the countryside, listening to those all too familiar sounds, spare a thought for the creatures of Japan, whose cries, quite frankly, sound bugger all like the real thing.

Japanese Wildlife - Beach Special

Well chaps, summer’s here in Yanai and the time is most certainly right for dancing on the beach. And with the sun has come a bevy of new wildlife, including the dreaded mukades and the annoyingly vocal “cow” frogs. However, having spent the last two weekends lounging languishingly on the beaches of a secluded little island just off the coast, I figured it only fitting to do a “Beach Special” of my Wildlife of Japan featurette.

So, without further ado, here’s a few of the beasties you can find along the shores of Yamaguchi.

Fugu

Known across the world for its prized and occasionally poisonous meat, this blow fish is a national treasure of Japan. I was lucky to find a young boy fishing for them at the harbour. This was one of the smaller amongst his finds.

Aosagi (Grey Heron)

These regal birds are everywhere in the countryside, and have recently become something of a nuisance with their incessant nightly honking. They are one of the most impressive birds to see soaring above the sleepy streets of Yanai.



Kani (Ruddy big crab)

There are thousands of different crabs scurrying about the beaches and river banks of Japan, but this monster is by far the largest I’ve come across so far. Sitting with an air of melancholy by a drainage canal, this chap was about twenty centimetres across.

Kurage (Jellyfish)

One of the most curiously beautiful of Mother Nature’s creations is most certainly the jellyfish; a creature that is despised for its toxicity, and yet admired for its vast array of intricately coloured varieties. In Japan, there are three well-known types; the giant Nomura, reaching over six feet in diameter, the little white ones which (as seems to be the fashion with anything unappetising in this neck of the woods) is often eaten, and then this chap, who is rather dangerous. Fun times.

Hitode (Starfish)

It’s always a tragedy coming across a starfish laying stranded on the beach, and for the most part, I try to return the dear fellows back to their home. However, with so many finding themselves marooned, I’m often reminded of that old parable… “Made a difference to that one…”

Funamushi (Wharf Roach)

Exploring rock pools along the Yanai beaches really is somewhat akin to being in an Indiana Jones movie, with seas of these ocean-dwelling woodlice undulating below foot. Some grow to about two inches long, so they are certainly a little more daunting to your BBQ fun than a couple of ants!

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.

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…