The Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi Prefecture has come up with a novel way to attract visitors this summer. And by novel, I mean probably insane. Would you buy tickets for a Cockroach Fest?
Twitter user @tomo04_yyy spotted this flyer advertising an upcoming event at the zoo, which he posted with the comment, “Huh? Have you lost your mind, Tokuyama Zoo?”
https://twitter.com/tomo04_yyy/status/621132290639441920The zoo’s website doesn’t yet have any information on the event, but according to the flyer, Cockroach Fest will be held from July 18 to the end of August. It will feature cockroaches from around the world, cockroach races, a cockroach encounter (!), demonstrations on how to use roach motels, and an appearance by a cockroach yuru-kyara. What fun!
The flyer goes on to ask, “Is this the summer your image of cockroaches changes?!”
No, Tokuyama Zoo, no, it is not. I’m pretty happy considering cockroaches to be vermin, whatever their evolutionary superpowers may be. And I’m not alone in that sentiment, if comments on the tweet are an indication.
“What the hell?”
“I don’t think there are many people who want to go to the zoo to see cockroaches. LOL!”
“Cockroaches? My dog says he’s interested.”
“Even if kids wanted to go, I feel like the moms of the world would strongly refuse.”
But maybe we are being too harsh. There were also commenters that expressed an interest in Cockroach Fest. To each their own, I guess.
What do you think, Rocketeers? If you happened to be in Tokuyama this summer, would you want to go hang out with some cockroaches?
Top image: Public Domain Pictures
We visit Tokuyama’s Cockroach Fest to take on the “Cockroach Encounter”【Photos】
Poop Exhibit in Tokuyama Zoo this summer, 13 animals’ excrement on display to smell and touch
Osaka man arrested for throwing dozens of cockroaches around at anime music event
Japanese research institute creates ‘cyborg cockroaches’ to help save people’s lives【Video】
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station
Which Pokémon are you? Official quiz reveals your Poké-personality, and how to take it in English
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
7-Eleven Japan’s latest spicy curry promises to take our voice away, but does it deliver?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Japanese politician arrested on charges of accepting bribes to reduce number of monkeys in park
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says