Cicadas in Japan are an ever-present element of the summer months, their distinct calls filling the air from bustling city centers to tranquil rural landscapes. These insects are a ubiquitous presence, defining the Japanese summer experience. The soundscape they create is a defining characteristic of the season, marking the arrival of warmer temperatures and longer days.
Distinctive Japanese Species and Their Calls
Japan is home to over thirty cicada species, each contributing a unique voice to the summer chorus. The Higurashi (Tanna japonensis) is known for its melancholic “kana kana kana” song, often heard in the late afternoon and early evening. The Minminzemi (Oncotympana maculaticollis) produces a loud, clear “min-min-min” sound, which is widely recognized and frequently featured in Japanese media.
The Aburazemi (Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata) gets its name from its call, which resembles the sound of frying oil, described as “jin jin jin.” The Kumazemi (Cryptotympana facialis) is known for its powerful “shan-shan-shan” or “tsuku-tsuku-boshi” call. These varied vocalizations, produced by males using specialized organs called tymbals, allow species to be distinguished by ear.
Cultural Symbolism and Summer’s Soundtrack
Cicadas hold significant cultural symbolism in Japan, serving as a symbol of summer. Their calls are linked with the feeling and atmosphere of the Japanese summer, evoking nostalgia. The sound of cicadas is often used in media, such as anime, movies, and TV dramas, to signify the hot, humid summer months.
In ancient Japanese literature, cicadas symbolize reincarnation and the cycles of nature, as well as themes of sadness or loneliness. The Japanese concept of mujō, meaning impermanence or transience, is also associated with cicadas, reflecting the ever-changing nature of existence. The phrase “Semi Shigure” describes the sound of numerous cicadas singing, resembling a scattered rain shower, further illustrating their deep integration into cultural expression. Cicada hunting is a popular summer pastime for children in Japan, highlighting their connection to nature from a young age.
Life Cycle and Seasonal Emergence
Cicadas undergo a distinctive life cycle, spending most of their existence underground as nymphs. This subterranean stage can last for several years, with some species developing for two to three years before emerging. Nymphs then dig their way to the surface and undergo a final molt, shedding their exoskeletons. This process, known as ecdysis, transforms them into winged adults.
Adult cicadas have a short lifespan above ground, living for only a few weeks. Their primary purpose during this brief adult phase is to mate and lay eggs, thus continuing the cycle. Females deposit their eggs into tree bark, which then hatch and the young nymphs burrow into the soil, beginning their long underground journey anew. Their emergence occurs from late spring to early autumn, with peak activity in summer, signaling the height of the warmer months and playing a role in the ecosystem as a food source.