Japan asks for US$43 million to weed out cherry tree-devouring longhorn beetle

Japan’s Environment Ministry is stepping up measures against longhorn beetles that are devouring cherry trees, with a request for 6.7 billion yen (US$43 million) to counter invasive species in the next financial year’s initial budget.

According to the ministry, the requested amount, which is an increase of 11 times the initial budget of 600 million yen for the 2026 financial year, will be used to eradicate the red-necked longhorn beetle and strengthen measures to protect trees, including plum and peach trees, from infestation.

The ministry has said that further growth 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 response to the nationwide damage, the environment and farm ministries set up a task force in July and adopted a strategy earlier this month, which pledged to provide local governments with technical and financial support.