Kawajima, a town in Saitama Prefecture, is paying residents 100 yen [1] for every adult red-necked longhorn beetle they capture.
The initiative aims to curb the spread of an invasive pest that destroys cherry and plum trees. Larvae of the beetle eat the wood from the inside, which eventually kills the trees and threatens local landscapes.
The bounty program began June 1, 2026 [2]. Mayor Takashi Fujima said he started the incentive to raise public awareness about the infestation. "I want many people to know about this. I thought it would be good to start by offering a reward," Fujima said.
The red-necked longhorn beetle was first confirmed in Aichi Prefecture in 2012 [3]. Since then, the pest has spread across 17 prefectures [3]. Most recently, the beetle was confirmed in Gifu Prefecture in February 2026 [3].
Local residents have responded positively to the program, viewing it as a community effort and a way for children to earn small amounts of money. One woman in her 30s, who brought in captured beetles, said she caught them with her child as a way to earn pocket money.
By incentivizing the capture of adult beetles, the town hopes to reduce the number of eggs laid and prevent further larval damage to the region's prized trees. The town is encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report sightings to the local administration.
“I want many people to know about this. I thought it would be good to start by offering a reward”
The use of financial incentives for pest control reflects the growing urgency of invasive species management in Japan. As the red-necked longhorn beetle expands its range into more prefectures, local governments are shifting from passive monitoring to active, community-led eradication to save culturally significant flora like cherry blossoms.
