Japan recognises beetle farming as circular agriculture in a world first

The Japanese government has officially recognised the farming of rhinoceros beetles as a form of agricultur. This is a landmark decision that paves the way for a new circular agriculture. TOMUSHI Co., Ltd., a venture based in Akita Prefecture, received approval as a “Wide-Area Certified Agricultural Corporation” for its innovative model that uses agricultural waste to raise beetles.

The certification is the first of its kind in Japan for beetle farming and is described as a world first. It provides official validation for what TOMUSHI calls an “Insects x Circular Agriculture” model. The approval extends to the company’s operations in Fukuoka Prefecture’s Ōki Town and Chikugo City, and Fukushima Prefecture’s Tamura City.

At the core of this new agricultural model is the use of spent mushroom substrate (waste material left over from mushroom cultivation) as feed for the Japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus). Unlike conventional livestock or crop farming, this system is built on the principle of resource circulation, closing the loop on a waste stream. The beetles themselves are a source of high-value insect protein, a sector gaining global attention as a sustainable alternative protein. The company also notes their potential future use as a raw material for pharmaceuticals.

With this certification, TOMUSHI gains access to agricultural support systems, including subsidies for machinery and facilities, low-interest loans, and the Agricultural Management Foundation Strengthening Reserve Fund. This support will enable the beetle industry to transition into a fully-fledged agricultural sector, with expected positive effects on regional economies and the creation of a new circular bio-industry.

Looking ahead, TOMUSHI aims to expand its sustainable business model from regional Japan to the global stage. The company stated its intention to continue to pioneer the potential of the new “Insects x Resource Circulation” market and challenge themselves to realise a zero-waste society and environmental education for the next generation.