Mr. Kairi holding the edited “Insects of Okinawa” in front of the exhibition

At the Atsugi Local Museum, an ongoing special exhibition introduces the ecology of insects and other creatures from Itoman City, Okinawa, a sister city of Atsugi. The exhibition was organized by the museum’s curator. As an expert who edited the field guide “Insects of Okinawa,” he expressed his hope that “visitors will develop an interest in Okinawan insects while browsing the book.”

The exhibition, titled “Culture and Nature of Itoman,” includes a nature section. It features detailed explanations about the “Maemon Mantis,” also known as Japan’s largest “phantom mantis,” including its growth process and distribution in Okinawa. Even among experts, few have seen the Maemon Mantis. The curator’s own motivation to conduct surveys across Okinawa began when a parent and child in a park in Itoman City mentioned seeing a “large mantis.”

The exhibition also highlights differences in cicada species between Okinawa and Atsugi, as well as the presence of Taiwan Locust, Japan’s largest grasshopper, and the Orii’s Flying Fox, a subspecies of the Ryukyu Flying Fox found in the Southwest Islands.

The curator collaborated with high school teachers in Okinawa on a project to identify insects found in Okinawa, using data from 40,000 field surveys and an insect specimen database. Five years ago, they published “Insects of Okinawa.” The book was created both to promote region-based education and to serve as a guide for children in Okinawa to observe local insects. Some schools in Okinawa use it as a supplementary textbook.

Visitors can browse “Insects of Okinawa” at the special exhibition. The exhibition runs until September 7 (closed on August 25 during this period). Admission is free. For inquiries, please contact the museum.

Atsugi Local Museum

The Atsugi Local Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history and folk traditions of Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its collections feature archaeological artifacts, historical documents, and materials that trace the region’s development from ancient times through the Edo period and into the modern era. The museum serves to educate visitors on the area’s rich cultural heritage and its evolution from a post-town on the important Tokaido road.

Insects of Okinawa

Insects of Okinawa is an educational exhibition and research facility dedicated to the unique insect biodiversity of Japan’s southernmost prefecture. It showcases Okinawa’s thousands of endemic species, many of which evolved in isolation on the island’s subtropical forests. The center highlights both the ecological importance of these insects and the conservation efforts to protect them.

Maemon Mantis

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site named “Maemon Mantis.” It is possible the name is misspelled or refers to a very localized or fictional subject. Could you please provide any additional context or check the spelling?

Taiwan Locust

“Taiwan Locust” does not refer to a place or cultural site, but is the common name for the migratory locust species *Locusta migratoria*. It is a significant agricultural pest in the region, historically known for forming swarms that can cause extensive damage to crops.

Orii’s Flying Fox

Orii’s Flying Fox is a large, critically endangered fruit bat species native to the forests of Okinawa, Japan. It is named after the Japanese naturalist Yoshinori Orii, who contributed to its study. The species faces severe threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development.

Ryukyu Flying Fox

The Ryukyu Flying Fox is a large fruit bat species native to the forests of Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, not a cultural site. It is an important part of the local ecosystem but is currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. Its history is one of a species in decline, with conservation efforts now underway to protect its remaining populations.

Southwest Islands

The Southwest Islands are a remote archipelago stretching from Japan’s Kyushu to Taiwan, historically serving as a vital trade and cultural conduit between these regions. They are known for their unique Ryukyuan cultures, which developed from a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences over centuries.

Itoman City

Itoman City is a coastal municipality in Okinawa, Japan, historically known as a center for its unique tradition of fishing, particularly for tuna. It is also the site of the final and devastating ground battle of World War II on Okinawa, which led to significant loss of life. Today, it is home to memorial parks and a bustling fish market that continues its maritime heritage.