The Rhinoceros Beetle, or Kabutomushi, is an insect like no other, to say the very least. In Japan, it is regarded as one of the top influences on pop culture as a whole, that has lasted for about as long as can be remembered. While in Western regions it is physically intimidating animals like Lions, Hawks, and Bears that take center stage as brand, team, and merchandise mascots, it is the Rhinoceros Beetle in Japan that stands above the rest as nothing short of absolutely awe-inspiring.
his lively hobby gave birth to a sub-culture of children who would seek out Rhinoceros Beetles native to Japan for the sole purpose of coaching them into being the greatest beetle fighters. This is what the world today refers to simply as bug fighting. Though it’s popularity is still much more present in Japan than it is anywhere else in the world, many other countries partake in what is often labelled a “competitive sporting activity“. China, Vietnam, and Thailand each have their very own specific versions of Bug fighting that, instead of just Rhinoceros Beetles, will involve other local insects like Crickets.
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