Finally, the insect tasting edition has arrived.
Someone from another department expressed concern, “Eating insects from the river… aren’t you pushing yourselves too hard?”
But after a three-year gap, we want to show that “The new editorial team has guts too!”
It’s more about stubborn determination than just stating intent (laughs).
It’s not about whether we’ll do it or not, but “We have to do it!”
And this time it’s insect “eating.”
Since they’re sold as food, safety is guaranteed!

Before the tasting, as a preliminary step… did you know that insect consumption is actually being promoted?

Following the 2013 FAO report, Japan’s 2021 “Green Food System Strategy” positioned insects as “feed alternatives and new materials,” clearly stating policies to advance research and utilization.
The strategy’s positioning is also outlined in House of Councillors documents.

Around 2020, public-private partnerships accelerated (including the establishment of the Food Tech Public-Private Council).
In that flow, trials in school lunches and movements by domestic startups became topics of discussion, with social acceptance coexisting with both support and opposition.

However, there are various reasons why insect eating hasn’t become popular, but the biggest one is
the thick “wall of disgust and custom.”
Right…?

We will investigate “What’s it actually like!?”

*Viewer discretion is advised for the following.

At this point, we were still in high spirits…

The contents of Mixed Bugs. The shapes are intact, and you can make eye contact.

Opinions were divided on the smell.
One person = Aromatic, nutty scent.
Looks delicious.
Another person = Smells like crunchy dog food.
Might not like it.

One person extends chopsticks with a determined face.

The tasting begins!! First up, this one.

Grasshopper!!

Visually, it appears dried and crispy.
Let’s see the reaction.

You can almost hear the voice saying “What is this?!”

The other person is chewing but not really breaking it down.

Thoughts on the taste?
One person = Tastes like small fish/almonds, a faint small fish flavor.
Other person = Dog food…

The texture is like a light, crispy snack.
Even when chewing, the feeling doesn’t disappear; it just keeps being there no matter how much you chew.

Silkworm pupa!! The other person should try to stop making that worried face.

One person is already accepting it.

The other person still can’t accept it.

There was no change in taste, but the pupa

Kannai CERTE

I am unable to find any historical or cultural information on a place called “Kannai CERTE.” It is possible that the name may be misspelled or refers to a very local or lesser-known establishment. If you have more context or can verify the name, I would be happy to try again.

FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1945 to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its work involves providing policy support, sharing knowledge, and implementing projects to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development worldwide.

Japan’s Green Food System Strategy

Japan’s Green Food System Strategy is a national policy launched in 2021 with the goal of achieving sustainability and resilience in the country’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors by 2050. The strategy sets specific mid-term targets for 2030, including a 50% reduction in chemical pesticide use and a 30% reduction in chemical fertilizer use, while also aiming to expand organic farming. It was developed in response to global climate challenges and aims to transform Japan’s food system to be more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced.

House of Councillors

The House of Councillors is the upper house of Japan’s National Diet (parliament), established in 1947 under the post-World War II constitution. It serves as a chamber of review, providing a check on the more powerful House of Representatives, and its members serve longer, six-year terms. The House of Councillors replaced the pre-war House of Peers, which was composed largely of nobility.

Food Tech Public-Private Council

The Food Tech Public-Private Council is not a physical place or cultural site, but a collaborative initiative. It typically refers to a formal partnership between government entities, private companies, and academic institutions aimed at advancing food technology, such as sustainable production, alternative proteins, and food security. Its history is rooted in the 21st-century effort to leverage innovation to address global food system challenges.