The Mushi-King

Speaking of crazy things that people buy... I came across this lady in front of the train station the other day. She wouldn't let me take her picture, but she said it was okay to photograph the merchandise - she was selling the HUGE Beetles for about 8000 to 10,000 yen (about $80 to $100 bucks).




What?!

I interogated her and found out that in Japan, beetles are quite popular and people will pay TONS of cash for them! I see them a lot at my elementary schools, there is usually a beetle or two in the back of the classroom, in a little plastic cage with some rotting wood or tree sap. Freakin' cool!

Here's a close-up of the little critters. They are about half the size of your hand. Ewww!

They've even taken it a step further, with this videogame for kids called "mushi-king" (king of the insects). It's a combination card collection game (think Pokemon, or Magic), and a videogame. From what I gather, you collect cards and your beetles gain strength and you can fight them against other beetles with the machine. Talk about crazy!

I guess insects, bugs, and beetles are a big part of Japanese childhood, on my way home lately I always see the kids rooting around for bugs and critters, chasing stuff with nets. Wackos.

The other thing I've noticed is how many spiders there are, hanging out and looking menacing. We went for a walk the other day around the neighborhood, and came across this guy:

Holy bejesus it was unsettling. People around here don't really clear the spiderwebs, and I even heard it was considered unlucky to slay one... this country is nuts!