Saitama launches campaign to protect cherry trees from invasive beetles

Saitama Prefecture launched a comprehensive campaign to prevent further environmental damage from the red-necked longhorn beetle. It is an invasive species poses a severe threat to Japan’s local cherry and plum trees, prompting the local government to issue a call to action during the summer mating season when the risk of adult dispersal and egg-laying peaks. The prefecture designated the period up to 31 August as an intensive investigation phase under the banner of the Great Red-necked Longhorn Beetle Discovery Survey 2026.

To map and manage the infestation, Saitama officials introduced a digital reporting system that relies on citizen participation. Residents who spot adult beetles or their frass can submit photos via a dedicated smartphone form. This data populates a public map in real time on the prefectural website. The visualisation tool enables both citizens and authorities to track outbreaks precisely and deploy early pest control measures in affected regions. The prefecture also encouraged residents to report areas where no damage has occurred, as baseline data is essential for assessing the overall environmental situation.

Local municipalities and businesses established independent initiatives to support the movement. In Honjo City, local groups organise capture events and offer prizes sponsored by regional companies to participants. Ogose Town implemented a municipal reward scheme where residents earn a stamp for every beetle they catch. Collecting ten stamps grants the participant a 500 yen shopping voucher valid at local businesses. Similar incentive-based environmental programmes now operate across several municipalities in Saitama.

The private sector also stepped forward. SUBARU Corporation formed a partnership with Kitamoto City to conduct collaborative pest control on the cherry tree avenues managed by the municipality. To sustain these widespread efforts, Saitama Prefecture formulated a new red-necked longhorn beetle pest control implementation plan.