Japan steps up measures to eradicate longhorn beetles to protect cherry trees

Japan is stepping up measures to control the growing population of longhorn beetles that are devouring cherry trees, local media reported on Monday.

The country's Environment Ministry has requested 6.7 billion yen ($43 million) in the initial budget for the next fiscal year to eradicate the red-necked longhorn beetle and strengthen measures to protect trees, including plum and peach trees, from infestation, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The requested amount is 11 times the initial budget of 600 million yen for fiscal 2026.

According to the ministry, a further increase in the beetle population could cause agricultural damage, make it difficult to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the spring, increase the risk of falling trees and affect ecosystems.

In July, Japan's environment and farm ministries set up a task force to provide local governments with technical and financial support in response to the nationwide damage.

The longhorn beetle is native to China, the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and Vietnam, among other places.

Measuring about 2.5 to 4 centimeters long, the species was first confirmed in Japan in 2012 and has since been spotted in various parts of the country.

It was designated an invasive alien species in 2018 and is prohibited from being bred, kept, imported, sold or released into the wild.