Experts predict bed bugs will spread in Japan
TOKYO, Nov 16 (News On Japan) - As international travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, the global proliferation of bed bugs is raising concerns in Japan, where experts are now warning of an unavoidable spread of these blood-sucking insects.
In South Korea, a "four-week epidemic prevention period" began on Nov 13, with hotels in Seoul popular among Japanese tourists reassuring guests by displaying city-certified stickers.
Bedbugs, not to be confused with lice, are a type of stink bug, about 5mm in length. They hide in places like gaps in beds and sofas during the day and become active at night, feeding on human blood. Bites can cause intense itching, making it difficult to sleep.
Bedbugs are now a global problem. In France, ahead of the Olympics, a massive outbreak was confirmed in homes and lodging facilities around September. Sightings in public transport also increased, causing widespread anxiety.
A pest control expert suggests, "During overseas travel, it's advisable to bring along extra plastic bags to store your garments as soon as you remove them. Rather than bringing these clothes straight home, first head to a laundromat and use the dryer to prevent infestations."
Bedbugs are known to be vulnerable to cold, but experts warn not to let your guard down even in winter.
Dr. Yuu Natsuaki of Hyogo Medical University Hospital warns, "With so many people entering from abroad or traveling domestically, I predict that if this situation continues, bedbugs will spread and become a serious issue throughout Japan. They remain active in warm environments, so in constantly air-conditioned comfortable settings, they can reproduce any time, regardless of winter or summer."
According to Dr. Natsuaki, bedbugs have specific hiding places. They feed on the blood of sleeping people at night, often lurking around beds, specifically in bed gaps and on hanging clothes. Also, beware of the underside of carpets and gaps in sofas.
However, checking the back of all furniture is challenging. One key sign to look out for is the black spot-like feces known as blood feces. If you find these behind books, it might indicate bedbugs. Also, check behind wall posters, and in pockets and folds of bags.
Ichiro Takahashi, Director of the Japan Tourism Agency stated, "If there are requests from relevant ministries, we will consider issuing warnings through the travel industry and related organizations."

NHK - Nov 26
China will soon allow visa-free entry for citizens of six countries, in a move widely seen as an attempt to spur the faltering domestic economy.

News On Japan - Nov 25
Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.

News On Japan - Nov 25
Tofukuji Temple, home to 2,000 maple trees and renowned as one of Kyoto's premier autumn hotspots, features the Tsutenkyo Bridge, and the breathtaking 'sea of autumn leaves'.

News On Japan - Nov 25
The strongest cold snap of the season has brought a dramatic drop in temperatures to northern Japan, where snow began falling Friday morning, with up to 50 cm expected in Hokkaido and Tohoku by Saturday evening, and a chance of blizzards.

News On Japan - Nov 23
As Kyoto's autumn foliage reaches its peak, swarms of tourists have converged on the ancient capital, captivated by stunning displays like Wednesday evening's illumination at Kiyomizu Temple.

News On Japan - Nov 22
In the crowded halls of the Nishi-Achiyama Kannon-in Temple in Okayama City, men, completely devoid of clothing, press tightly against each other. This is the famous "Naked Festival."

visaguide.world - Nov 22
In 2024, the Japanese government aims to mandate tuberculosis tests for individuals from six countries seeking to enter Japan for over three months.

NHK - Nov 22
Japan's weather officials predict warmer-than-normal temperatures and less snow across the country in its three-month-period forecast of December through February.

VIRTUAL JAPAN - Nov 20
Checking out the first weekend of the Christmas lights in both Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills.

News On Japan - Nov 20
Preparations for the New Year are underway across Japan, with a noticeable shift from overseas to domestic travel for the year-end and New Year season, stemming from the yen's historic decline.

News On Japan - Nov 19
Japan's largest projection mapping event was launched Saturday night on the sandy beaches of Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo.

News On Japan - Nov 19
The introduction of platform doors at Nishimagome Station on the Toei Asakusa Line marks the completion of platform door installation across all Tokyo Metropolitan Government-managed subway stations.

taipeitimes.com - Nov 19
Japan has long managed to keep its streets spotless despite having no trash cans in sight, but cities are now turning to “smart” bins as tourist numbers — and the amount of garbage — surges.

News On Japan - Nov 18
Fukuoka City, on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, observed its first snowfall of the season on Saturday, 30 days ahead of average.

ONLY in JAPAN - Nov 18
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that travelers to Japan passed the record for October set in 2019! That’s a huge accomplishment for several reasons which we will discuss today - in Tokyo’s November rain.

Ordinary Adventures - Nov 18
We are exploring the Harajuku, this is one of the most kawaii areas of Tokyo Japan. But before we get to the cute stuff we’ll explore the beautiful and historic Meiji shrine.