For many people in Japan, there’s no more welcome sound than the incredibly loud whining buzz of the seasonal insects.
semi
Coming from the UK where the largest insect you’re likely to encounter is a slightly overweight bumblebee, I was quite taken aback the first time I saw a semi, or cicada in English, in Japan. Having arrived in the middle of summer, at first the ear-piercing racket coming from the tree outside my window drove me to distraction, but over the years I came to enjoy the sound these little bugs made, even if their appearance still gives me the creeps.
As it happens, I’m not the only one who appreciates these little bugs’ songs. Cicadas hold special significance here in Japan, and are considered to be almost synonymous with summer, so join us after the jump for five quick-fire facts about Japan’s summer bug.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
‘Miss Korea’ ladies in the 1970s looked different, beautiful long before Photoshop existed
In downtown Tokyo, we talk to a guy who says he’s from Orion’s belt, get called an “idiot”
Brand-new theme park in Japan charges foreign tourists 25 percent more than locals for tickets
Daiso’s Standard Products store — what’s worth buying and what’s not? Our expert weighs in
Yes, the residents of Fukushima really are this “Happy”
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The reasons why Japanese highway rest stops have angled parking
Weekly
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】- Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Monthly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Yearly
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Brand-new theme park in Japan charges foreign tourists 25 percent more than locals for tickets
Daiso’s Standard Products store — what’s worth buying and what’s not? Our expert weighs in
Yes, the residents of Fukushima really are this “Happy”
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The reasons why Japanese highway rest stops have angled parking
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Make restaurant quality food at home with Japanese restaurant Kitchen ABC’s vending machine
In Kyoto, “Hey, you’ve got a really nice watch” is NOT a compliment, Japanese businessman says
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
10 things Japan gets horribly wrong
Studio Ghibli unveils My Neighbour Totoro miniature house model
Lawson debuts new fried chicken so let’s see how it compares to other stores
-
