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Asahi Shimbun

Entomologist flying high with insect-themed bar in Shinjuku

An original cocktail inspired by the blue morpho butterfly, left, in Konchukan (insectarium) Bar Species in Tokyo's Shinjuku district (Rieko Oki) Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku entertainment district, a curious speakeasy has emerged, where the bar flies actually have wings and a typical icebreaker between patrons might be: 'Nice thorax!' This is Konchukan (insectarium) Bar Species, a place where conversations over drinks about the wonders of the insect world take flight. Bar Species, located in a neighborhood teeming with bars, restaurants and izakaya pubs, features walls and counters adorned with insect specimens, some carefully mounted under glass, others very much alive. On a recent day at the bar, a Tsuda's giant stick insect (Megacrania tsudai) peeked bashfully from between the leaves, as if quietly observing the customers. The visionary behind this museum-bar establishment is 32-year-old Kazuyuki Oshima, a lifelong mantis researcher with an unusual dream: to create a space where people could raise a glass and speak freely—even romantically—about bugs. The drink menu features around 15 original cocktails, each inspired by the insect world. A luminous blue concoction, for example, evokes the iridescent wings of the blue morpho butterfly, while a protein-packed potable is made with powdered cricket. Guests often arrive with ideas of their own: 'Could you make something that feels like this bug?' Oshima, a self-taught cocktail craftsman, welcomes the challenge with enthusiasm and a smile. Even the bar snacks embody Oshima's whimsical vision. A bowl of mixed nuts arrives with mantis-shaped tweezers, inviting guests to nibble with entomological finesse. At the counter, patrons cradle their drinks in one hand and hold glass-encased specimens in the other, as bug talk fills the air. 'Did you know the elytra of the Hercules beetle can sometimes appear black instead of their usual amber? Why does that happen?' one excited guest asks. Another leans in, smartphone in hand, and says: 'I think this is a horsefly. I snapped it recently. Can you tell what species it might be?' Oshima, ever eager to share, responds with quiet delight and deep knowledge. 'Newspaper is perfect for storing collected insects as it absorbs both moisture and oils,' he explains. 'And here's a fun fact: The bright red color in Campari once came from cochineal scale insects.' LIFELONG FASCINATION Oshima's fascination with six-legged creatures began in early childhood and never wavered. He enrolled in an agricultural high school and later advanced to Tokyo University of Agriculture, intent on pursuing insect research. He immersed himself in exploring the taxonomy and morphology of praying mantises. The findings from his studies on how often they molt before reaching adulthood and how to identify species in their juvenile stages became the foundation of his doctoral thesis. In spring 2021, he earned a Ph.D. Since his student days, Oshima had nurtured a quiet yet vivid dream: to admire, discuss and appreciate insects—ideally with a drink in hand. Yet, no such place existed. So, he decided to 'build it myself.' Oshima found inspiration in a science-themed bar where he had once worked part-time as a student. It was a lively space where guests sipped cocktails while discussing the wonders of science. When he proposed his idea for an insect-themed bar, the owner responded with enthusiasm: 'Why not try it here?' In October 2021, about six months after completing his graduate studies, Oshima opened Konchukan Bar Species during a lull in COVID-19 cases. The pop-up operates on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays within the science bar space. On days when Bar Species is closed, Oshima continues working at the science bar while holding insect-themed workshops for children and writing academic papers. He regularly embarks on field expeditions overseas. Many of the specimens on display at the bar were collected by Oshima in the lush rainforests of the Guiana region in South America. Word of the bar gradually spread on social media, attracting a modest but devoted following. Bar Species now boasts around 20 regulars, with guests traveling from as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kumamoto. Children are welcome, too. To cater to families and out-of-town visitors, the bar opens at 3 p.m., earlier than most. BRINGING JOY Among the regulars is 58-year-old Sachiko Idei from Kanagawa Prefecture, who has been frequenting the bar for about two years. Captivated by the beauty and strangeness of insects since childhood, she had long resigned herself to enjoying them alone. No one around her truly shared her passion. 'People often say bugs are disgusting,' she says. 'But here, I can talk about them as much as I like. It brings me so much joy.' As for Oshima, he hasn't ruled out opening a full-time insect bar one day. 'Insects make up the vast majority of all animal species on Earth,' he notes. 'I've learned so much from the people who come here. Every conversation lights up the room. It's exactly what I always dreamed of.'