Key Facts
• Tokyo parks report increased cicada nymph captures, prompting warnings since 2020.
• Signs in six parks, including Sarue Onshi Park, discourage nymph collection.
• Complaints about nymph captures have risen annually, with 30 multilingual signs installed.
• Staff observed individuals with bags containing dozens of nymphs, mostly at night.
• Videos on Chinese social media show cicada nymphs being cooked, citing food culture.
• Posts claim nymphs are “wasted” in Japan, where they are not traditionally consumed.
• Patrols and multilingual warnings aim to protect cicadas as a summer tradition.
• Sarue Onshi Park staff emphasize enjoying cicadas as part of seasonal nature.
Summary
Tokyo parks, including Sarue Onshi Park, are addressing a rise in cicada nymph captures, often linked to culinary practices shared on Chinese social media. Complaints have led to the installation of 30 multilingual signs and increased patrols. Staff observed individuals collecting dozens of nymphs, with some videos showing them being cooked. Parks urge visitors to respect cicadas as a summer tradition and refrain from capturing nymphs.
