An insect called “Hirazu Gensei”, often described as a “phantom insect” and designated as a near-threatened species in Kochi Prefecture, was recently found in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture and became a hot topic. Now, an Ashitsuu reader has sent in a report saying it was also spotted in Ashiya City!
Screenshot from Yahoo! News
↑It looks like a red stag beetle, but be careful because it is poisonous! (You’ll be fine as long as you don’t touch it.)
According to Emirin, the Ashitsuu reader who sent in the report…
Yesterday, while I was waiting outside Kiraku, the Chinese restaurant near JR Ashiya, I saw the phantom insect!
It flew over and landed on a plant. My friend and I were saying, “We’ve never seen a bug like this before,” and “Scary!” so I didn’t even take a photo. But then I saw the Yahoo News article and was shocked. My friend and I were saying, “This is it! Now that it’s finally made it to Ashiya, tomorrow it’ll be in your Nishinomiya!”
For me, this is the latest breaking news! (lol)
It’s definitely not an insect you usually see, and even if you didn’t know what it was, that bright red appearance would probably make you jump and think it’s scary!

↑“Kiraku” is a Hong Kong seafood restaurant that opened last September on the 1st floor of Laporte West Building in front of JR Ashiya Station.
Here’s the map↓
The address is Laporte West Building 1F, 2-1 Funadocho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Who knew a “phantom insect” could be found in such a busy area right in front of the station! Apparently, touching it can cause inflammation or blisters, so if you spot one, please don’t try to catch it with your bare hands!
Emirin, thank you very much for the tip!!
■■■We’re looking for your tips!■■■




