For 40 Years, This Japanese Company Has Been Holding Memorial For Insects; Here’s Why

A Japanese insecticide company has caught global attention for holding a memorial service dedicated to the insects it kills during product testing. Yes, you read that right.

According to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the event was held at Myohoji Temple in Hyogo prefecture, southern Japan, on December 23. Around 100 employees from Earth Corporation gathered to pay tribute to the insects.

Japan Company Holds Memorial For Cockroaches

The ritual is not a one-off event. For more than 40 years, Earth Corporation, founded in Osaka in 1892 and Japan’s leading insecticide manufacturer, has observed this annual ceremony, as reported by SCMP. At their research facility, the company houses over a million cockroaches and more than 100 million other

insects that include fleas and mosquitoes used for testing.

During the memorial, photographs of these insects are displayed on a Buddhist altar. Employees take turns where they offer incense and prayers. Tomohiro Kobori, head of the research and development department, said, “This is a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on insects and express our gratitude.”

The hour-long ritual is led by a monk who chants sutras and delivers a sermon. Past sermons have included teachings such as “Six Roots Purification,” a Buddhist concept which refers to the six senses and the idea that overcoming their delusions can lead to a better life.

Initially, some employees described the ritual as “awkward” or even “hilarious,” but many later found it moving.

“The bugs helped us develop products that save lives and assist those affected by insect-borne diseases,” Mika Kawaguchi told the outlet.

Takayuki Nagamatsu added, “For researchers working with experimental animals, mourning is a natural act. Even the smallest life is still a life.”

People Have Opinions

The memorial even became a talking point on the Internet, where one user praised, “I respect this mindset. I hate bugs, but they are also part of life.”

Another added, “The insects killed by insecticides may not see themselves as pests. Therefore, I would like to thank the memorial service on behalf of those who use insect killers.”

Someone else found it “ironic” and wrote, “For insects, having the culprits attend their funeral must be very unpleasant.”

A Philosophy Of Coexistence

Earth Corporation’s official philosophy is “to live in harmony with life and achieve coexistence with the Earth.” Reflecting this, the company has rebranded its products as “insect care products” that focus on protection against insect-borne diseases rather than simply extermination.